Man Utd optimistic over Pogba upgrade despite familiar foes lurking

Neil Foster 03 Oct 2021 3:40 PM

Reports claim Manchester United are increasingly confident they will be able to lure AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie to Old Trafford despite the quality of clubs keen on his signature.

The 24-year-old is currently in his fifth season with the Rossoneri after joining from Atalanta in the summer of 2017. His first two seasons at the San Siro were on loan before he penned permanent terms. And the Serie A giants have certainly got their money’s worth out of the Ivory Coast international.

Rarely injured, he has made 190 appearances in all competitions for Il Diavolo, scoring 30 times. Last season was his most productive, with 13 league goals and 14 in all competitions.

But it is his all-round play and smart football brain that has attracted the big-hitters. Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool have both been mentioned in connection with the African.

It is easy to see why clubs are circling. The former Cesena loan star will be out of contract at the end of the campaign.

Milan are desperate to keep hold of the talented schemer but are struggling to match his wage demands. Kessie is said to want in the region of €8m per year and PSG are more than happy to accommodate the star.

A recent Tuttomercatoweb report claimed the Parisians are willing to offer him €12m per season plus bonuses and a five-year deal. And he could become another high-profile free transfer capture after the arrival of Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Georginio Wijnaldum.

But, according to Todo Fichajes, United feel they could have a say in proceedings.

Manchester United in for Franck Kessie

Manchester United are said to be in for A.C. Milan's Franck Kessie as a potential Paul Pogba replacement, with more news on Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani.

Kessie a ready-made Pogba replacement

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have some decisions to make over his midfield either in January or next summer. Nemanja Matic and Fred are not setting the world alight and the jury has always been out on Paul Pogba.

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Kessie could be the man to replace the France international should Solskjaer deem it necessary. The north-west giants face a battle with PSG. They will need to pay him a whopping salary to get a deal done – but other clubs are also involved.

Chelsea have been mentioned as a possible suitor while Tottenham have also been linked. There is always the possibility Milan will look to sell him in January to ensure they receive a transfer fee.

But with a lucrative contract waiting in either France or England next summer, Kessie could refuse to play ball.

Franck Kessie