Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho joins list of admirers for rising star Franck Kessie
Mourinho discusses the Serie A sensation with his Ivory Coast team-mate Eric Bailly
JOSE MOURINHO is the latest Premier League manager to eye young Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all reported to be tracking the Ivory Coast youngster, who has been a revelation in Serie A this season.
The 19-year-old has scored five goals in 11 matches this term and has spoken of a desire to play for United.
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And France Football reports that the Manchester United boss has spoken to Kessie's Ivory Coast team-mate Eric Bailly about the young player.
Centre-back Bailly, 22, is seen as a successful signing at Old Trafford and the French football magazine says Kessie also fits the bill for Mourinho.
Kessie has been compared to compatriot Yaya Toure with bursting runs from deep and a strong physical presence in the middle of the park.
Juventus and AC Milan are also rumoured to be interested in the youngster, who has helped Atalanta to fifth in Serie A.
Atalanta signed the Ivorian for a mere £255,000 from minnows Stella Club in his home country.
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Meanwhile Mourinho revealed Bailly is on course to return for United before the New Year after injuring knee ligaments in a 4-0 defeat to Chelsea in October.
The £30 million summer capture from Villarreal enjoyed a bright start in the Premier League but there were fears he would not return for United until February after the Africa Cup of Nations.
But Mourinho said: "He is working hard and will be back before the end of the year, for sure."