Huge: Manchester United Initiate Transfer Talks With Top Chelsea Target’s Agent
Jan 14, 2017 at 10:24 PM
Manchester United have joined the race to sign promising young midfielder Franck Kessie, according to reports in Italy.
The 20-year old is in high demand this January as Premier League rivals Chelsea and Everton have also shown their interest in signing him. He has been in fine form in front of goal as he has managed an impressive seven goals for Serie A club Atlanta in 17 appearances so far this season.
Sky Italia claims that the Red Devils are the latest to express their interest in the Ivorian international as they have made a formal approach with the player’s representatives. Everton have already made a £15million for the midfielder which Atlanta turned down.
Kessie is also drawing huge interest from Chelsea as Antonio Conte is very much interested in adding him to the Blues roster as the club lost Oscar to Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai SIPG earlier this month in a record transfer deal.
The Blues are currently in talks with Atlanta as the Italian club are looking for £22m to let the talented young midfielder leave this month.
Manchester United have recently lost Morgan Schneiderlin to Everton as the Frenchman has left Old Trafford in search of regular football. With the future of Michael Carrick still unclear as he might leave the club at the end of the season, Mourinho is keen to sign Kessie as a long term replacement.
Kessie is currently under contract with Atlanta till 2021 and has been their star so far this season as he has managed 16 league appearances. With increasing competition for the African youngster, Manchester United are keen to finalise the deal before the end of the transfer window.
The 20-year old is currently on international duty as he will be part of Ivory Coast squad which will play in the African Cup of Nations. He might be unavailable for Atlanta until February 5th if Ivory Coast manages to reach the finals in the continental tournament.