Manchester United have not only entered but taken the lead in what has become a four-way chase for Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri.
According to The Mirror, Manchester United are the latest club to join the battle for Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri. And the report goes on to state that the Red Devils have jumped to the front of the queue, ahead of their rivals Chelsea, Manchester City and others in pursuit of the Ivory Coast international.
Seri has become one of the most sought-after midfield enforcers in world football after a breakout campaign in Ligue 1 with Nice. His continued dexterity this season is now beginning to attract top clubs again, with the January transfer window open and clubs clamouring to boost their respective season goals.
One such club is Manchester United, who are looking to add some steel to their midfield. There is talk of Alexis Sanchez arriving in what will be a massive boost to their attack. The Chilean’s arrival could see Mourinho finally change to a more fluid 4-3-3 formation, this time the change is likely to be a more permanent one.
Paul Pogba has shown he is the right man to be donning one side of the midfield three, with Nemanja Matic likely to be the central figure that acts more like an anchor-man in midfield or a defensive midfielder. The third spot is where the debate lies, with Ander Herrera not really showcasing the best of forms this season.
Jean Michael-Seri has shown he has all the qualities of a box-to-box midfielder and he could be the man to complement Pogba on the other side.
Liverpool are in a four way chase to sign Jean-Michael Seri, with Manchester United leading the pack. [Mirror] pic.twitter.com/34QgD5C7RO
— Rousing The Kop (@RousingTheKop) January 18, 2018
While Seri might be a bit short in the creativity department and as far as direct contribution is concerned – 2 assists and a solitary goal in 15 league appearances so far this season – his penchant for running up and down the pitch along with the ability to help at both ends could be an invaluable addition to the squad, which could also help provide even more freedom to Paul Pogba.
There are other clubs in pursuit of Seri as well, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City fighting it out with PSG for the midfielder. But, apart from PSG, who might see the player as a direct replacement for the already departed Thiago Motta, the two clubs do have enough numbers in the midfield.
Chelsea have Tiemoue Bakayoko, who has been unable to adjust to life at Stamford Bridge well. But, bringing in another midfielder with a similar skillset risks ruining the squad harmony, which is the last thing Antonio Conte needs right now.
Manchester United are in the lead, with a £35 million release clause unlikely to be too much of a bulging issue for Mourinho and his men. Seri, along with the imminent addition of Sanchez, could prove to be the catalyst of United’s Premier League chase.
The Red Devils are 12 points behind Manchester City and if they wish to close the gap or even upstage the Citizens at any point of time from now till the end of the season, Seri might be an important signing.
