Juventus, AS Roma, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, & PSG.
Those are just some of the clubs that have been linked with rising Serie A star Franck Kessie. The 20-year-old has burst onto the scene with Atalanta this season, and is being monitored by the biggest clubs on the continent for his outstanding play from defensive midfield.
The young Ivorian has been described as the next Michael Essien, and it's clear that Atalanta will face a battle to keep hold of him judging by the interest that has been shown in him over the past few months.
But it seems that Manchester United will have the upper hand when it comes to agreeing a deal with the player, as Kessie today revealed that he dreams of playing for the club when asked about the proposition of playing for them, or Chelsea, who are also in the running for his signature.
Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb [via ESPN], Kessie revealed that he had not heard about any links to Roma, as they have become prominant in the Italian media, but admitted he is a Man Utd fan.
I did not hear any rumours around Roma, as I was at the Africa Cup of Nations and so focused only on playing. I like the Premier League and in particular Manchester United, the club I dream of playing for.
Chelsea? That is also a big club, nobody would turn them down, but I dream of United.
Atalanta midfielder Frank Kessie:"I like the Premier League and especially Manchester United a team I dream of playing for"
— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) February 22, 2017
Frank Kessie:"Chelsea? They're also a great club that no one would turn down but I dream of Man United"
— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) February 22, 2017
Kessie was speaking at an event hosted at the Atalanta store, which may not be too reassuring for fans of the club that want him to stay, but if his form continues until the end of the season as it has been so far, there will be little the club can do to hold onto him.
Manchester United are reportedly searching for someone to play in the Michael Carrick role, and Kessie ticks all the boxes as far as that is concerned. Chelsea, on the other hand, already have Matic and Kante who do that job, so the firmest opposition for his signature may come from within Serie A, or from PSG.
[via ESPN]
