Manchester United favourites to sign £35m Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool target Jean Michael Seri

Manchester United have reportedly emerged as favourites to sign Ivory Coast international star Jean Michael Seri, according to the Mirror.

The Premier League side, who visit Burnley on Saturday (15:00) in the top-flight, have been linked with signing the OGC Nice midfielder during this summer’s transfer window.

The 26-year-old, who has 16 international caps for his country, has scored one goal and provided five assists in 25 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit so far this season.

Seri, who looked set to join FC Barcelona last summer before any potential deal collapsed, has netted 11 times in 101 games overall for Nice since arriving from Pacos de Ferreira back in June 2015 for just €1m.

Nice’s Jean Michael Seri in action with Vitesse’s Thomas Bruns.

However, with a €40m (£35m) release clause included in his current contract, which has just 18 months remaining, United are leading the chase to sign the central defensive midfielder come the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

But, Premier League rivals Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in the Ivorian’s services.