Atalanta BC midfielder Franck Kessie has expressed his hopes of joining Manchester United in the future.

The 19-year-old was reportedly close to linking up with Sunderland in the summer, but did not get the relevant work permit to play in England.

Kessie, who already has four goals to his name this season, told Sky Italia: "I have two football role models - Yaya Toure and Michael Essien. I take a bit from both. They told me I needed to work harder to reach higher levels.

"I really like the English league, but for now I have to learn the Italian tactics, and then maybe one day I can go to Manchester United. I don't know if Jose Mourinho will still be there, but it's a team I've always liked."

Despite his young age, Kessie has already been capped four times by Ivory Coast.