BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Yves Bissouma of Brighton and Hove Albion takes a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement prior to the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal at American Express Community Stadium on December 29, 2020 in Brighton, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
According to BBC Sport (h/t The Sun), Yves Bissouma has caught the eye of Manchester United. The Brighton midfielder has impressed since joining the club back in 2018 and has now been on the radar of several high-profile clubs such as United and Liverpool. Brighton are likely to demand £37million for the 24-year-old Mali international.
When Nemanja Matic arrived from Chelsea in 2017, he was seen as a real coup. He proved to be just the same as he formed the spine of the side that finished second that season. A cool, calm and collected presence at the base of midfield, Matic was often seen breaking down opposition play with ease and kick starting moves for the Red Devils.
Post that, Matic regressed a bit and the likes of McTominay and Fred were given chances to impress. Both of them took their chances and kept Matic out of the line-up. It was an injury to McTominay that allowed Matic to return and he impressed during the post lockdown phase, forming a vital partnership with Pogba and Fernandes.
Even though Matic remains a prominent member of the side, one needs to remember he turns 33 next year. While speed and agility were never his strong suites, it has been evident this season that he is slowly losing whatever speed he has. It goes without saying that Manchester United need a player to take up his mantle in a season or two.
The Brighton man has not attracted the attention of Manchester United without reason. Even though Brighton have fared poorly this season, Bissouma has kept on doing his job and is doing it all too well. While he is used to playing in a more central role, he has been used to good effect in a defensive role.
Bissouma is adept at carrying the ball from his own half to the opposition area. It is not easy to dispossess him off the ball. He is one of the reasons why Brighton are such a tricky team to deal with.
While that would be an added bonus, it will be his ability to breakdown play and defensive abilities that will interest Manchester United more. At £ 37 million, it sounds like a good deal for United as they would be getting a thoroughly experienced Premier League player who looks ready to make a step up to a bigger team.