Manchester United are very keen on signing Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare, according to ESPN FC. The website reports that scouts from the Red Devils see the 20-year-old as the “potential heir” to Paul Pogba.

The France Under 21 international has been scouted a number of times by the Manchester club, and they believe he has the technical and physical attributes that could one day match United’s no.6.

Soumare is reportedly valued at €40m (£34.5m) and Lille may well be preparing to sell the midfielder due to the player’s contract situation.

The Frenchman currently has just 20 months left to run on his current deal and while the Ligue One side are looking to extend his contract, he may hold out for a move either in January or next summer.

Due to his age and profile, Soumare would fit the type of player that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for, having the potential and room to develop his game further in the coming years.