Manchester United step up interest in Ligue 1 midfielder

Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Nice midfielder Jean Seri with Paul Pogba’s future uncertain at the club, claims The Daily Mirror.

Jose Mourinho is currently involved in a battle of power with United star Pogba, which has led to suggestions the midfielder will seek an Old Trafford exit for the second time in his career.  

Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, has already started the process of sounding out new clubs for his client for the summer but so far no one has taken the bait.

United were always going to strengthen their midfield options this summer prior to the situation with Pogba, and Mourinho has since reiterated new arrivals will not be replacements for his current No.6.

However, it remains to be seen if that is still the case at the end of the season if things do not improve between Pogba and the United manager.

Mourinho made Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred a top transfer target at the start of the campaign but is resigned to losing the Brazilian to rivals Manchester City.

The United head coach has instead switched his attentions to Seri and the Red Devils have touched base with his representatives in the wake of Pogba’s unrest.

Seri, 26, was widely expected to join Barcelona last summer but the Spanish giants sensationally pulled the plug on a deal right at the death.

The Ivory Coast international reportedly has a £35m buy-out clause in his current Nice deal, which would be a snip in the current market.

Only Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti (92.4) averages more passes per Ligue 1 game than Seri (84.5) this season.