Manchester United are reportedly in pole position to sign Atlanta sensation Franck Kessie, who is wanted by the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and other top European clubs.
Sky Sports Italia have claimed that Manchester United have entered the race to sign Atalanta sensation Franck Kessie. The Ivory Coast international has been om the radar of top European clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal and Juventus among others.
The report states that Manchester United have not only joined the race, but have jumped to the head of the queue to sign the midfield sensation. The Red Devils have reportedly contacted the player’s agent to scour the possibility of a deal to bring him over to Old Trafford.
Manchester United know very well that a summer move is more likely to be successful, with Atalanta chasing European qualification in the league this season. But, it is also suggested that the Italian outfit may be ready to part with the player in January itself, if they receive an offer close to their £34 million valuation of the player.
With Kessie away at African Cup of Nations, a January move for the Ivory Coast midfielder looks unrealistic. The 20-year-old has been in absolutely prodigious form for Atalanta and has bossed the midfield with aplomb. His return of 6 goals and 2 assists in 17 games, that too from a central midfield position, is absolutely jaw-dropping.
This form has attracted a host of top European clubs. Chelsea had a bid reported to be around the £20 million mark rejected, with Antonio Conte seeking reinforcements to the midfield to bolster their title challenge. Kessie, with his physicality, technical prowess and tenacity, is likely to be a perfect fit in Conte’s plans.
Liverpool too have been looking to add to their midfield options. Klopp has largely deployed a midfield three of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana, but the German boss is seeking at least another addition in midfield to bolster their own title credentials.
Manchester United are looking for a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick, who seems to be aging like good wine, and Franck Kessie seems to have the ability to partner the likes of Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera in a midfield three for Jose Mourinho.
United’s chances of landing Kessie are also boosted by the fact that the 20-year-old has already professed his love for the club and ambition to one day play for them under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho. Kessie has been dubbed as the next Yaya Toure and it seems, like Yaya, he could be set to move to Manchester, albeit the red half.