Manchester United start talks to sign highly-rated midfielder, he could join forces with Sekou Kone

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Manchester United are continuing to target young players for the future with another Malian talent wanted alongside Sekou Kone.

There was never going to be a quick fix at Manchester United and we are certainly seeing that play out.

United’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday really hammered home just how much work Ruben Amorim faces in the Old Trafford dugout.

Ineos will certainly view the Amorim era as a long-term project though and their approach to signings suggests they see a vision for the future.

United splashed the cash on Leny Yoro over the summer whilst teenagers Chido Obi, James Overy and Samuel Lusale all signed on the dotted line.

Paraguayan wonderkid Diego Leon is set to join United but the push for young, talented additions will not end there.

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Manchester United move for Daba Diakite

The festive period may be upon us but United are not slacking in the transfer market.

Africa Foot report that United have now started talks to sign Djoliba AC talent Daba Diakite.

It’s stated that Untied have ‘begun the process’ of signing Diakite with negotiations now ongoing.

Egyptian side Pyramids FC are also interested in signing Diakite but it’s United who have made the first move.

Diakite is currently away in Mauritania as he prepares to feature for Mali in the African Nations Championship.

This tournament sees African nations compete against each other whilst only using players currently featuring their home nation.

Diakite is therefore eligible to play for Mali but potentially not for much longer with United moving in.

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Diakite could reunite with Sekou Kone

The 20-year-old has played in the CAF Champions League this season, turning out for Djoliba AC against Red Star Bangui, ASKO Kara, Esperance, Pyramids FC and Sagrada.

United may have had one eye on Diakite’s performances in that competition having only recently signed one of this compatriots.

United snapped up Sekou Kone, pictured above, from Guidars FC on deadline day and there are high hopes for the 18-year-old.

Kone could now be joined in Manchester by Diakite with United potentially developing the Malian midfield maestros of the future together.

Seydou Keita was arguably Mali’s finest ever footballer and if either Kone or Diakite can reach the levels Keita showed with Barcelona, United will have struck gold.

Diakite is understood to only have three months left on his Djoliba AC contract and United are now hopeful of winning the race ahead of other interested clubs.