MANCHESTER UNITED have joined the race to sign highly-rated Atalanta youngster Franck Kessie.
The Ivorian’s agent, George Atangana, confirmed the Red Devils are one of five Premier League clubs chasing Kessie – dubbed ‘the new Yaya Toure’.
Atangana said: “We have a lot of interest from the Premier League. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.
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“I cannot say at this stage how much he will cost but we are talking about one of the best young players in the world.
“But for us the most important thing is that the technical project is the right one for him. Franck is very, young so we have to be very careful about his development.
“Chelsea are very interested and it is a great club but we must take our time to consider all the options.
“Now we are in January so he has to play at the African Nations Cup for Ivory Coast so I am not going to rush anything.”
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Chelsea made the first move to sign Kessie after having a £21.5million bid rejected by Italian club Atalanta earlier this week.
But United could look to pounce as a January exit for midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin looms.
Kessie, 20, has been identified by SunSport as one of the hottest prospects in Serie A – and could fill the boots of the Frenchman.
But Atalanta also recognise his talent as they hold out on a £34m fee for their midfielder.
Kessie is a strong box-to-box player and can pick a pass as well.
He has scored six goals in 16 Serie A appearances this campaign including a double against Lazio on the opening day of the season.
Find out all you need to know about Franck Kessie on our scouting profile.
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