Manchester United in talks to secure £34m midfield deal

Manchester United are reportedly in talks with Atalanta to sign midfielder Franck Kessie, who has become one of the hottest properties in the January transfer window. The 20-year-old has emerged as a transfer target for clubs other than United. Chelsea are reported to have made a £21 million offer for the player several days ago. Now, the entry of United into the picture could spark a bidding war, which could potentially raise the player’s value considerably. Aware of the interest from several clubs, Atalanta have reportedly slapped a £34 million valuation on the player.

A defensive midfielder by trade, Kessie has been able to make his presence felt on the scoresheet with six league goals in 16 appearances. His agent says that Kessie’s remarkable progress on the pitch has certainly not gone unnoticed and that numerous clubs are interested in him. He said, Via The Sun:

“We have a lot of interest from the Premier League – Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.

“I cannot say at this stage how much he will cost but we are talking about one of the best young players in the world.”

Atalanta have resumed action in the Italian Serie A, but without Kessie, who is away on international duty with Ivory Coast at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. An expert at reading the game, Kessie may be earmarked as the successor for Michael Carrick if all turns out well. The return of Carrick has been a major factor behind United rediscovering their form, and Jose Mourinho seems to understand the value of the 35-year-old England international. Search is on the way to find a player who will mimic the former Tottenham midfielder in many ways.

Kessie could be a great fit for the Premier League considering that his boundless energy allows him to get up and down the field with relative ease. His signing could also help Manchester United free up Ander Herrera to be used in a more offensive role. The Spaniard has been the one for tackles, a job which he has performed with aplomb, as the club struggle to get defensive duty out of veteran Carrick. Just like Carrick, Kessie’s ability to find a goal could also be a blessing, as Premier League teams increasingly need to find goals from across the pitch.

Manchester United are yet to sign a player this month despite being linked with a whole host of names like Victor Lindelof, Jose Fonte, and now, Kessie.




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