Man Utd agree transfer for defensive midfielder

Suraj Radia

• 22 Aug 2024 20:30 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer.

Erik ten Hag’s side have been looking to strengthen in the middle of the pitch after adding striker Joshua Zirkzee and defenders Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to their squad.

While United are still locked in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a transfer for Manuel Ugarte, the Red Devils appear to have found a young option for the future in the defensive midfield spot.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano confirms important Arsenal deal

According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal has been struck for 18-year-old midfielder Sekou Kone from Malian side Guidars FC.

The teenager is an unknown quantity currently but United view him to have high potential and will blood Kone in with the under-21s as he adjusts to life in England.

No details over the transfer have been revealed as of yet but there is hope at Old Trafford that Kone is one for the future who could eventually challenge for a spot in the number six role.

United still pursuing Ugarte deal

Kone has 12 caps for Mali’s under-17 international team and, according to The Athletic, United are said to be conscious of the ‘huge cultural change’ Kone will experience coming from his native country.

The deal could be down to the presence of Christopher Vivell, the German who became United’s director of recruitment this summer on an interim basis.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

Vivell previously had roles at RB Leipzig and Salzburg, with the Red Bull clubs having a connection to Kone’s current side Guidars.

United will still push for a deal for a senior defensive midfielder and Ugarte is likely to be the club’s top option to close out the transfer window.

Current ETV

Manuel Ugarte

M, DM (C)

PSG

Manuel Ugarte

M, DM (C)

PSG

€41M

ETV Range

€30.7M - €51.2M

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Ten Hag’s men are discussing the structure of a transfer, which is more likely to be a permanent deal rather than a loan to buy, according to The Transfers Podcast.