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By Chris Wheeler and Will Pickworth Published: 04: 33 AEST, 31 August 2024 | Updated: 04: 33 AEST, 31 August 2024 35 View comments Man Utd have confirmed the signing of Mali youth international midfielder Sekou Kone from Guidars FC. Mail Sport understands the fee United have paid for Kone, who was first scouted by the club at the Under 17 World Cup last November, is just over £1million. The midfielder only turned 18 in February but is highly-regarded and has been linked to several clubs across Europe. Kone mainly plays as a defensive midfielder and helped Mali to secure a third-place finish at the Under 17 World Cup, while he was also named in the team of the tournament at the Under 17 Africa Cup of Nations last year. Kone is yet to play a senior game in his career, but racked up 12 caps for Mali's Under 17 team. Man Utd have confirmed the signing of Mali youth international midfielder Sekou Kone, 18 The midfielder has joined from Guidars FC for a fee that Mail Sport understands is £1million Kone was first scouted by United at the Under 17 World Cup last year, where Mali came third Upon announcing his signing, United revealed that Kone 'will initially be supported by the academy in order to give him time to settle into life in Manchester'. His performances in the youth teams at Guidars and at various Under 17 tournaments have led to Kone's style of play being compared to that of former Man City and Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure by the African media. Kone's arrival at Old Trafford comes with United still yet to announce confirmation of Manuel Ugarte's pending £51m move from PSG, with Erik ten Hag's side hoping to complete the deal before tonight's 11PM deadline. Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group