FootyChatter.com

There could be a new Manchester United star on the blocks very soon, with the club agreeing a deal to sign Sekou Kone. The Red Devils have agreed a package worth an initial £1. 2million, with a number of performance-related add-ons. Kone is very much seen as a player with huge potential, and once the deal to sign him from Guidars FC is complete, he will spend time with the Red Devils' Under-21s. However, the plan is to integrate him into the odd first-team training session so United fans could see Kone in action quicker than expected. Kone is an 18-year-old central midfielder who is regarded as one of the most promising talents in African football. He was first spotted by scouts from clubs around the globe at the Under-17 World Cup. Playing for Mali, Kone was brilliant throughout as his country finished third. Playing primarily in a defensive midfield role, Kone didn't score, but he did manage to grab two assists. The midfielder impressed with his all-round play, demonstrating supreme ability to move the ball progressively, while out of possession, Kone showed pace to cover ground and anticipation to snuff out dangerous situations. Before joining his current club, he also trained at Mali's JMG Academy, which has helped produce the likes of Yves Bissouma and former Man United transfer target Amadou Haidara. Due to his all-action style, he has been dubbed the 'next Yaya Toure' by many African outlets. If he turns out to be even half the player the Ivorian was, Man United have a special talent on their hands. Unsurprisingly, there has been a lot of competition for Kone, with Red Bull Salzburg, Crystal Palace and Wolves all linked, but it is Man United who have won the race for the midfielder. Sources at Old Trafford claim Kone's signing has been commissioned by the scouting department. The good thing for the midfielder is that the club have a clear progression plan in place for him. But given this will be his first time in Europe, Kone will be given time to settle and adapt. As a result, he will start his Man United career playing for the Under-21s, but the hope is he develops quickly and eventually partners Kobbie Mainoo in the heart of the Man United midfield. United fans will have to be patient with Kone, but they can take heart from the fact the club have a clear pathway for him to make it into the first team. If he lives up to his undoubted potential, Man United might have their own Yaya Toure in time. Have your say on all things talk SPORT by joining ‘The DUGOUT’ – our new listener panel. We're all about diving deep into your perspectives, and making sure talk SPORT is the absolute best it can be. Your voice matters, and we want to hear it! Pitch your game-changing ideas, and join in with fun surveys, polls, and locker-room discussions. Just by joining, you'll enter a prize draw to win one of four £50 Amazon vouchers, with another prize draw entry for every survey you complete after that To join the ‘The DUGOUT’ panel, please click here. This service is provided on talk SPORT Ltd's Terms of Use in accordance with our Privacy Policy.