Man United 'agree a deal to sign highly-rated Malian wonderkid, 18, after beating Premier League rival to his signature' - with Erik ten Hag eyeing him up for the first-team

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign highly-rated Malian wonderkid Sekou Kone from Guidars FC, according to reports.

Defensive midfielder Kone, 18, is said to have attracted interest from a host of clubs this summer and Liverpool were also tipped to swoop.

The youngster will initially join United's Under 21s, The Athletic say, to allow him to adjust to life in England. However, he is also viewed as high potential with Erik ten Hag hopeful Kone can be a long-term option in the No 6 position.

United have looked to strengthen the base of their midfield - with PSG's Manuel Ugarte reportedly closing in on sealing an Old Trafford switch - but the move for Kone represents the long-term vision of INEOS and the club's new-look hierarchy.

It is thought, according to The Athletic, that the Red Devils are aware Kone will face a significant cultural shock after touching down in England and they will integrate him steadily.

RB Salzburg were also thought to have been in the race, suggesting that Christopher Vivell, United's new recruitment guru and formerly the head of scouting at the Austrian club, played a crucial role in luring him to the Premier League. 

Kone initially attracted the attention of clubs worldwide after he delivered several impressive performances for his country at last year's U-17 World Cup.

The teenager made the most interceptions (48) at the tournament and also won the most defensive duels (47), leading to a highlights compilation going viral. 

He was developed by the JMG academy, an esteemed set-up that has produced several top-level midfielders from its campus in Bamako, Mali's capital.

Both Yves Bissouma and Cheick Doucoure took their first steps in the talent factory.

So far this summer, United have signed Leny Yoro from Lille, Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. 

Kone may represent their fifth arrival but the club are also closing in on another prodigy, former Arsenal academy ace Chido Obi-Martin, aged just 16.

The forward will join United after leaving the youth structure at the Emirates and the deal is now in its final stages with Premier League ratification the final hurdle.

Obi-Martin scored a sensational 32 goals for the U-18s last season. 

It is uncertain whether he will immediately act as a back-up to the first-team, behind Rasmus Hojlund and Zirkzee, or slot into the academy at first.