Man Utd and AC Milan battling for Boubakary Soumare transfer but Lille reluctant to let midfielder, 21, leave this month
MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly battling AC Milan for Lille star Boubakary Soumare.
But Calciomercato claims the French side are reluctant to let him leave this month and would prefer a summer deal.
Soumare, 21, has clocked up 66 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille after a move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
He is on the cusp of a first senior France cap and is rated as one of the top youngsters in his homeland.
Indeed, Manchester United are known to be big fans.
And they tracked him last summer amid fears Paul Pogba was set to leave the club.
The £89million man ended up staying at Old Trafford.
But with his contract expiring in 2022, it is reckoned Pogba will finally depart Old Trafford.
And Soumare is apparently being lined up to replace him in United’s midfield.
Arsenal were also linked with the youngster before moving for Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid.
But it’s believed AC Milan pose the biggest threat to United.
The Italian giants are top of Serie A after going unbeaten in their opening 15 matches.
And Milan want to add Soumare to their ranks as they go in search of their first title since 2011.
However, neither Milan or United stand much chance of landing Soumare this month.
Lille are joint-top of Ligue 1 with Lyon and two points ahead of champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Boss Christophe Galtier is determined to keep his squad together as Lille aim to upset the odds and dethrone PSG.
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