Man United scout spotted watching Xavi-esque midfielder as Ineos look to repeat Sekou Kone trick

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Manchester United’s scouts have been busy trying to find the next up-and-coming superstar.

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover at Manchester United, Ineos have been flawless with recruitment for both the first team and the academy.

Ratcliffe has been eager to stop United overspending on big-name stars and instead invest in youngsters who can develop at Old Trafford.

In the summer, United poached Chido Obi from Arsenal and the young striker is already making his way into Amorim’s first team.

Another bargain academy deal struck by Ineos was the £1m deal for Sekou Kone.

Man United are scouting Seydou Dembele

Kone has already featured in a matchday squad this season and is pushing to break into Amorim’s plans. The young Malian has impressed in the academy and Ineos are now trying to finalise similar deals.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that United are scouting at the Under-17 AFCON tournament this month.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has exclusively told United in Focus that United’s French Academy scout Jerome Klein is in Morocco to scout AFCON for Africa’s top talent.

It is a market that United know well having signed Sekou Kone in the summer.

Bailey revealed that United are particularly scouting Kone’s fellow countryman Seydou Dembele, who is described as a “Xavi-like player”.

Dembele has been in strong form in the tournament for Mali, and United are keeping a close eye on the 2008-born midfielder.

Man United also showing interest in Asharaf Loukman Tapsoba

Alongside Dembele, Bailey revealed that United’s scouts have been drawn to a young striker.

Asharaf Loukman Tapsoba is currently the top scorer at the U17 AFCON, and Bailey explains that he is another youngster who is being monitored by United.

Tapsoba only turned 15 years old in March so will be ineligible to join United for another three years.

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The young Burkina Faso international has been likened to Victor Osimhen, who is a target for United this summer.

Osimhen is expected to cost £55m this summer, but he would arrive as a short-term fix to United’s striker issues. Tapsoba would be a future investment for United.