Manchester United’s summer transfer business involved three big name moves, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho joining the club.
But no transfer window is ever perfect and the midfield remains an area which needs work.
So it is no surprise that the three players linked with transfer moves this week are all midfielders.
Bear in mind we are in late September, so much of this speculation is paper-filler and agent talk. Which is why we have left each of these stories alone individually. Instead we have a round-up of the three players linked with moves along with our verdict on whether any of these deals are viable…
Franck Kessie
According to Calciomercato, Manchester United have been paying attention to the situation of AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.
There is no doubt Kessie would be a solid addition to United’s midfield. The Ivory Coast international was very impressive in the two Europa League matches against United last season.
Kessie’s contract situation mirrors Paul Pogba’s. His deal expires next summer and he can leave on a free. For that reason Milan could cash in during the next transfer window in January.
For a cut-price fee Kessie could be a solid addition. We wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to it. But we don’t expect this is one which will happen.
Footmercato report that PSG have already approached Milan with a view to a January move as they look to strengthen their midfield. It is most likely that will be where he ends up.
Tanguy Ndombele
This is an interesting one. Ndombele looked like a real coup for Tottenham when he signed in 2019 and he has disappointed.
There is a good player in there though, as he showed with an impressive midweek goal against Wolves in the cup.
Dealing with Tottenham is never easy and it is unlikely United would take a punt on a player who has underperformed, even if he is only 24. This potential deal was also reported by Calciomercato.
The only way this move would go ahead would be if there was a swap deal for Anthony Martial to go the otherway, with Tottenham long term admirers of the Frenchman.
United would probably prefer cash, as would Spurs for Ndombele. A swap may be the only way either club can get both players off the wage bill.
Yves Bissouma
It was a big surprise Brighton kept hold of Yves Bissouma in the summer after his excellent performances last season.
Bissouma totally fits the type of midfielder Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants, an all round player who can contribute on and off the ball.
The MEN touted him as a possible United signing for next summer this week amid his admission he wants to play Champions League football.
Next summer would be a good time to sign the 25-year-old if a deal for Declan Rice is just too expensive.
Bissouma would be the most likely deal of these three players and the most attractive. He is Premier League proven and has the potential to improve further when surrounded by higher quality players.
It could also be said that Bissouma’s attributes suit United better than both Kessie and Ndombele. He will be a difficult opponent to go up against in each of our matches with Brighton this season.
It’s also worth just noting how very excited Bissouma was by Cristiano Ronaldo joining the club.
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