Manchester United have beaten a host of top clubs to sign 18-year-old labelled 'the next Yaya Toure' in huge coup

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign one of the most exciting talents in Africa after beating a host of top clubs to his signature.

Those behind the scenes at Old Trafford are building for the future. Leny Yoro, 18, arrived from French side Lille in a deal worth up to £58.9 million.

The teenager, who completed 1,727 passes in Ligue 1 last season – the most by a teenager across Europe's big-five leagues in 23/24 – is widely regarded as one of Europe's top talents.

And earlier this month, United agreed a deal to sign highly-rated striker Chido Obi-Martin after the 16-year-old left Arsenal.

Obi-Martin was seen as a major transfer coup by many, but it turns out United haven't stopped in their pursuit of young talent as they agreed another deal on Thursday.

Mali youth international Sekou Kone is set to join the Premier League club after United agreed a deal with Malian side Guidars FC, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The club are hoping that the defensive midfielder, 18, will become a first-team player in the long term but for now, he will represent the under-21's as he adjusts to life in England.

Kone has been linked with a host of clubs, including Liverpool and RB Salzburg, but it appears he will become United's fifth summer signing.

The 18-year-old, dubbed by one outlet as the next Yaya Toure, initially attracted the attention of Europe's elite following a series of impressive performances for Mali in the under-17 World Cup last year.

This guy is HIM.😭❤️😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/zwlVMvLD2W

— 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗴’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇳🇱 (@TenHagBall_) August 22, 2024

Kone made the most interceptions (48) at the tournament and won the most defensive duels (47). A compilation of his performances soon went viral on social media, as seen above.