Chelsea-linked Kessie: Manchester United is my dream move

If Chelsea renews its efforts to tempt Franck Kessie to Stamford Bridge in the summer, it will do so in the knowledge that it's the midfielder's second choice.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a breakout campaign with Atalanta, helping the Bergamo outfit to an unexpectedly high position of fifth in Serie A, and in doing so attracted attention from various clubs including Chelsea, Everton, Roma, and Kessie's preferred option, Manchester United, in the January transfer window.

He didn't hear anything of Roma's alleged interest in particular, as he represented Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations over much of that month.

"I like the Premier League and in particular Manchester United, the club I dream of playing for," Kessie told Atalanta fans at a meet and greet, according to The Evening Standard's Alex Young.

"(Chelsea) is also a big club, nobody would turn them down, but I dream of United."

Kessie would potentially be a successor of Michael Carrick's spot in the midfield. The Englishman, 35, has been a vital cog in Jose Mourinho's plans this season, but obviously doesn't pose a long-term option as he enters the twilight years of his career.

Kessie could be part of widespread changes to the squad in Stretford, with a blockbuster approach for Atletico Madrid's striker Antoine Griezmann apparently in the works.