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Manchester United are running out of time to agree a deal for Sedi Kinteh after FC Koln reportedly jumped the growing queue for the Tromso IL starlet.<\/p>\n
Kinteh, 19, is emerging as one of the most in-demand defensive prospects in Europe, with a host of clubs across the continent chasing his signature, including United.<\/p>\n
The Gambia international combines outstanding physical qualities and an \u2018old school\u2019 approach to defending with the ability to play out from the back. Speed is his most eye-catching trait, however, clocking in at just over 37km\/h. This ranks him right alongside the Premier League\u2019s quickest player, Tottenham Hotspur\u2019s Micky van de Ven.<\/p>\n
Were Kinteh to arrive at Old Trafford this summer, he would become the fastest member of the dressing room \u2014 a title currently held by Bryan Mbeumo, who recorded a top speed of 36.4km\/h earlier in the campaign.<\/p>\n
The increased focus on high lines in modern football \u2014 designed to condense the pitch and suffocate the opposition \u2014 requires mobility to be as important a tool in a defender\u2019s arsenal as any other.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s little surprise Manchester City have become so much more defensively fragile since Kyle Walker departed the Etihad after his lightning fast legs finally gave out. Or why Liverpool have suffered as Virgil van Dijk has suffered a similar fate.<\/p>\n
Despite possessing an imposing 6\u20191 frame, Kinteh maintains a level of speed usually reserved for tricky wingers. He also possesses a wand of a left foot \u2014 a rarity for a centre-back \u2014 and is capable of playing at fullback.<\/p>\n
United are understood to see the Gambian as a \u201ccheap high-upside option\u201d in defence who can plug multiple gaps in the squad. He will have little trouble adapting to the rigours of Premier League football, nor will he be perturbed by a lack of first-team minutes.<\/p>\n
FC Koln are also firm admirers of Kinteh, however, with the Bundesliga side now ready to accelerate ahead of United in the race.<\/p>\n
German football expert Philipp Hinze reveals they have struck a \u201cverbal agreement\u201d with Kinteh. And while there is \u201cno final breakthrough\u201d on a fee, talks are \u201congoing\u201d between the two clubs.<\/p>\n
\n\ud83d\udd34 Exclusive: 1. FC K\u00f6ln has reached a verbal agreement with Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh. No final breakthrough at club level between Effzeh & Troms\u00f8 yet. Conversations are ongoing. Kinteh has received some inquiries. Including from England. Cologne is putting pressure on us. Not done yet\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/OTthWxmw41 pic.twitter.com\/IGeA1ZFAVO<\/a><\/p>\n