Man Utd lead the race to sign £35m midfielder

Manchester United are leading the race to sign Nice midfielder Jean Michel Seri according to reports.

The Ivory Coast midfielder has been linked to a number of clubs, with a move to Barcelona thought to have been close to during the summer, however, the French club refused to sell him with Catalan side eventually going on to sign former Spurs midfielder Paulinho.

Everton have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old in recent weeks, but there are a growing number of clubs interested in his services.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are also interested, but according to the Daily Mirror it is Manchester United that are leading the race for his services.

Seri has a €40m (£35m) release clause in his contract which runs out in just 18 months, and could spark a scramble for his signature.

Manchester United are known to be in the market for a new central midfielder to replace the ageing Michael Carrick, who has been restricted to one appearance all season.

City meanwhile are looking for a long term replacement for Fernandinho and have also been linked with a move for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder, Fred.