Man United in race to land international midfielder, player available for free next summer

Manchester United are still in the running to sign AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, according to a report from Fichajes.

The Reds have widely been linked with a move for midfield reinforcements for some time now, with the Ivorian one of several names mentioned in relation to a summer switch to Old Trafford earlier in the year.

That deal never materialised, and a number of other clubs have since emerged as potential suitors for the 24-year-old, but is understood that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are still in contention for his signature.

What do the bookies think?

Judging by the latest odds, United are facing a bit of an uphill battle.

The Reds are priced at 9/1 to sign Kessie by SkyBet, but are trailing both Arsenal (7/1) and Tottenham (5/1) in the race to secure his services.

How likely are Man United to seal the deal?

Kessie is a man in demand. As well as the trio of English clubs who are said to be targeting him, the Ivorian is also said to be on the radar of both Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Competition will, therefore, be stiff, but matters could be helped by Kessie’s precarious contract situation. It’s understood that the midfielder recently rejected the offer of a new deal in Milan, and should he fail to put pen to paper at the San Siro he could be allowed to leave Italy on a free next summer.

What are the fans saying?

A lot of United supporters on social media seem fairly sold on the idea of signing Kessie.

@KingCantona77 tweeted: “Would take him in a heartbeat.”

@DanC261020 tweeted: “A midfield three of Kessie, Van de Beek, and Bruno would have everything. Never gonna happen though”.

@mufcway_ tweeted: “Kessie would be perfect for us”