Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants to prop up the midfield department by signing Barcelona star Franck Kessie this summer, Mundo Deportivo report.
Ten Hag was keen on signing Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona last summer, but the 25-year-old made it clear that he did not want to leave the Catalan giants.
As a result, United ended up landing Casemiro from Real Madrid instead. The Brazilian has been brilliant for the club with his defensive and offensive contributions.
It is now reported that the Red Devils boss wants to ‘finish propping up the midfield’ with another signing and Kessie is one of the top names on his transfer wishlist.
The Ivorian is not looking for a way out of the club despite his limited game time, but it is claimed that Barcelona could be forced to sell him amid their financial needs.
Kessie would be an upgrade on Scott McTominay
Scott McTominay’s future has been regularly speculated in recent months and there are suggestions that he could be sold for £40 million during the summer.
In that case, Ten Hag will want a suitable replacement. In our view, Kessie would be an upgrade on McTominay with his better control and distribution.
Kessie has completed 87% of his passes from 31 games this term. McTominay has played exactly the same number of matches but has a pass accuracy of 83.
The Ivorian is currently valued at £31 million by Transfermarkt and United could recoup the funds with the sale of McTominay – possibly to Newcastle United.
However, their main stumbling block could be the player himself. Kessie may not want to move to Old Trafford without the assurance of regular playing time.
With interest also from Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan, Juventus and Napoli, Kessie could choose his next destination based on where he could play more.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and Whoscored.com
