Manchester United beat off competition from Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich to land Sekou Kone | OneFootball

Manchester United have been trying to sign Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain since the summer transfer window opened but it has not been an easy deal to crack.

The Ligue 1 side’s €60 million asking price was something INEOS have refused to meet considering the midfielder is not in Luis Enrique’s plans for the new season and they have already signed a replacement in Joao Neves.

This delay has led to the Red Devils keeping their options open with the club keeping tabs on Sofyan Amrabat, who spent last season on loan at Old Trafford, and long-term Erik ten Hag favourite Frenkie de Jong.

While the Uruguayan’s move to the Theatre of Dreams is close to completion, the 20-time English league champions managed to wrap up a deal for another defensive midfielder, Sekou Kone from Guidars FC.

Kone set to join United despite plenty of interest

United agreed to pay €1.5 million for his services and as per HITC, the three-time Champions League winners had to see off competition from fellow English club Chelsea and La Liga giants Barcelona to land the highly-rated 18-year-old.

The Blues, under Todd Boehly, have been aggressively pursuing talented teens from all across the globe, while Barca’s attraction among young stars cannot be underestimated.

“Sources have told HITC that United have agreed a deal for Malian starlet Sekou Kone and HITC can reveal that they beat some of Europe’s biggest clubs to land the teenager.

“HITC can reveal that Premier League rivals Chelsea showed an interest, but so to did Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and Juventus.”

The scouting and recruitment team did a great job to land the Malian U17 World Cup hero who has been brought in to strengthen the academy team for now but there is a chance he might be fast-tracked into the first team this season itself.

The Manchester Evening News have claimed that the talented midfielder will be given every opportunity to adapt to his new home without unnecessary pressure.

High hopes from Kone

He will spend time with the first team during training and there are hopes that he might make his senior breakthrough as early as this campaign if he impresses.

“Although Erik ten Hag is in the market to sign a defensive midfielder and talks for Manuel Ugarte are progressing, the plan is for Kone to join up with the Under-21s.

“It’s understood the 18-year-old is considered as a player with high potential by United staff and he’ll spend time training with the first-team at Carrington, which means he could be fast-tracked if he demonstrates he can operate at the level required around the senior group.”

With Ugarte seemingly on his way and following Kone’s acquisition, the club are in a strong position with regards to the defensive midfield role with Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer also capable of playing in that holding role.

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