Barcelona battle Manchester United to sign world-class midfielder

Manchester United have one of the strongest and deepest squads in world football right now. But if there is one area that they need to strengthen in, it is in the middle of the park. The club were expected to sign a midfielder in the recently concluded summer transfer window but did not do so after bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Tom Heaton.

On the other hand, FC Barcelona have struggled in recent times. Both Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann departed the club in the summer and it is very clear that the Spanish giants need to undergo a rebuild in the near future if they are to return to being one of the best sides in all of Europe.

Franck Kessie appears to be someone that both clubs have their eyes set on. His current deal with AC Milan is set to run out next summer, meaning he will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January.

As reported by Mundo Deportivo (via Daily Mail), Barcelona are targeting a move for Kessie with the possibility of signing him as a free agent next summer. Manchester United are another club who have been linked with the midfielder in recent weeks.

Kessie would be a terrific signing for Manchester United but Barcelona also interested

It goes without saying that Kessie would be a brilliant signing for Manchester United or most clubs in Europe for that matter.

The midfielder has been very highly-rated for years but it is at AC Milan that he has appeared to take his game to the next level and there is no doubt that he is one of the best midfielders in Serie A right now.

What makes a move for Kessie even more tempting is the fact that he will be available as a free agent next summer if he does not end up extending his contract with AC Milan.