Sedi Kinteh: Man United lead race for Tromso IL gem with “blitz” tactic | OneFootball

Manchester United are leading the race to sign Tromso IL starlet Sedi Kinteh with a “blitz” tactic to fend off interest from elsewhere in Europe, according to the latest report.

A Defensive Juggernaut

Despite only turning 19 in November, Kinteh – whose full name is Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh – has already established himself as a key player for Tromso and has made his debut for the Gambian national team.

Last season, Tromso finished third in the Eliteserien, Norway’s top division. He played 21 times, scoring once and assisting another goal, showing an ability to play out from the back and contribute in the final third with a wand of a left foot.

Described as an ‘old-school’ defender who relishes physical battles with forwards, Kinteh can operate as a centre-back or left-back, and possesses a potent combination of speed and strength.

His top speed has been recorded at just over 37km/h, putting him neck and neck with the quickest player in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur’s flying Dutchman, Micky van de Ven. By comparison, Bryan Mbeumo is the fastest man at Old Trafford this season, with the Cameroonian clocking a top speed of 36.4km/h.

The fact that Kinteh is capable of generating this level of speed while standing 6’1″ makes his athleticism even more impressive – and explains why English clubs have taken notice. A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed United have “strong links” in Norway and this has put Kinteh on their radar, with the Red Devils “weighing up an approach”.

However, Chelsea have also expressed interest in the ‘Gambian Gem’ after he impressed scouts at Stamford Bridge. Swiss sides Young Boys and Basle are keeping a close eye, while Corriere dello Sport reports Dutch heavyweights Ajax and PSV Eindhoven have also now entered the race as Kinteh’s reputation across European football grows.

At the Front of the Queue

The Italian outlet reveals Old Trafford executives, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, are preparing a “blitz” to bring Kinteh to Manchester this summer.

United are understood to be leading the race ahead of their rivals, and a trip to Norway has been organised for next month to strike a deal with Tromso. Relations are described as “positive” between the two clubs, giving the Mancunians an advantage.

The report even claims an “offer is on the table”, with a price tag of around £5 million to secure Kinteh’s signature.

Final Thoughts

United are in the market for a versatile young defender after links with Atalanta powerhouse Honest Ahanor and Spanish starlet Hugo Fernandez, both players capable of playing in different positions across the backline.

This is curious, however, given the presence of Leny Yoro (20) and Ayden Heaven (19) in central defence, and Patrick Dorgu (21) as an option at left-back. However, Dorgu has been reinvented as a left-winger under Michael Carrick, which may explain United’s plan to accelerate interest in Kinteh, given his ability to provide cover at centre-back and full-back.

Featured image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images

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