Man Utd 'considering AC Milan's Franck Kessie as Paul Pogba replacement'

AC Milan's all-action central midfielder Franck Kessie has emerged as a potential top target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United.

United are in need of a dynamic midfielder and remain engulfed in the ongoing contract situation with talisman Paul Pogba.

Pogba's deal at Old Trafford will expire in June 2022, meaning the Frenchman is free to speak to other clubs as soon as January in order to arrange a free-agent switch next summer.

Now, according to fresh reports in Italy, United have started to monitor Kessie closely ahead of a potential future move.

Italian daily publication Calcio Mercato report United are now seriously interested in the 24-year-old, along with fellow Premier League side Tottenham and European rivals Paris Saint-Germain.

United remain hopeful of committing Pogba's future to the club in the coming months, but have drawn up a list of options otherwise.

Club chiefs are desperate to avoid having the saga drag out over the second half of the season to prevent it overshadowing any success Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might achieve this term.

They have been in regular conversation with agent Mino Raiola in an attempt to thrash out terms on a new contract which could reach £400,000-a-week, according to The Sun.

The Red Devils are understood to have grown quietly confident over the past couple of months that the Frenchman will commit his future to the club.

But they are also aware there is interest from Europe's elite to land the French World Cup winner - most notably Ligue 1 giants PSG.

During the transfer window it was reported that the Parisians were reportedly willing to offer Pogba £510,000-a-week wages if he joins them for free next summer.

Pogba has enjoyed a superb start to the season. He opened the campaign with an outstanding performance that saw the 28-year-old join the Premier League history books, equalling the record for the most assists in one game - a feat achieved by only seven other players.