Manchester United are keen on adding a central defender and central midfielder ahead of the 2019-20 season, and with them closing in on centre-back Harry Maguire, they will now switch their sights towards a central midfielder.
The Red Devils have been linked with midfielder Bruno Fernandes, but could have another option if that deal falls through.
22-year-old AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessié is reportedly available despite joining the club on a permanent deal just this year.
Kessié is rumoured to be available for a fee of €40 million, as per Tuttosport, cited by Transfermarketweb, and is keen on playing in the Premier League.
Franck Kessie – Profile
Kessié joined Milan earlier this year after joining the club on loan from Atalanta. His disciplinary issues could be the reason for him being placed in the transfer market.
The 22-year-old midfielder made 42 appearances for AC Milan in the 2018-19 season in all competitions, scoring 7 goals and assisting 3 times for the club.
The dynamic midfielder has represented his country 34 times and had a good run in the African Cup of Nations where his side were knocked out in the quarter-final stage by Algeria on penalties.
Should Manchester United pounce on Kessié?
Kessié has had a good few seasons in the Serie A for Atalanta and Milan, playing in the defensive midfield or central midfield role. The 22-year-old is a box-to-box midfielder who has great energy, while also capable of driving with the ball forward and supporting in the attack.
The Ivorian made an average of 1.2 tackles in Serie A last season, and 1.5 clearances per game – Kessié contributes in defence with his pressing and using his strength to bully opponents.
A good short passer of the ball, Kessié completed 87% of his passes per game, and averaged 49.7 passes per game in the 2018-19 season for Milan.
Manchester United currently have Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Andreas Pereira, Fred, and Scott McTominay as options in midfield, but a player like Kessié could add some balance to the team with his energy and strength to the team.
Kessie’s signing could also allow Pogba to play further up the field and reduce his defensive workload which could cause a lot of problems to the opposition’s defence. At 22 years of age, Kessié has the potential to grow and become an even better player.
