Manchester United Transfer News: Pushing a Move for Kondogbia Makes Sense

Despite comfortably winning the Premier League title last season, Manchester United have been crying out for a new central midfielder for some time.

The return of Paul Scholes after a brief spell in retirement negated the problem somewhat, but now he's gone for good and United have not replaced him.

David Moyes' long-running pursuit of Cesc Fabregas was a frank admission that he sees central midfield as a problem position.

While that move looks doomed, the Red Devils have been linked with other talented players including Real Madrid's talented Croatian Luka Modric and the Toffees' big Belgian Marouane Fellaini.

The latest link is to in-demand Sevilla man Geoffrey Kondogbia, with Spanish newspaper Marca crediting Moyes with an interest in the French midfielder. Their report states:

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Kondogbia, 20, is going into his second season at Sevilla. His form during the first caught the eye of a host of European big guns, including Real Madrid and Manchester United.

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However the article also says that Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido has insisted that the player will not be sold this summer after the club reached an agreement with the company that owns half of Kondogbia's rights.

When you look through United's current squad it's clear to see why the former Everton boss is so keen to strengthen in central midfield.

The ageing Ryan Giggs is now more suited to a central role. At 39 years old, though, he doesn't have the energy or physical presence the Red Devils desire.

Tom Cleverley and Anderson have both shown glimpses of ability, yet neither player looks capable of cementing a place in a midfield that will be expected to challenge for every major honour next term.

Phil Jones, while adept at getting up and down the pitch and throwing in tackles where necessary, has proven himself to be a natural defender rather than midfield maestro.

That leaves Michael Carrick as the one player guaranteed a start in the heart of Moyes' XI. He needs a new partner, and quick.

While Del Nido's quotes may have put some of Kondogbia's suitors off, two quotes from the Spaniard should give hope to United.

Speaking at a press conference to announce new signing Sebastian Cristoforo, he is quoted as saying that any approaches from La Liga clubs "would be considered an insult" but fails to mention sides outside of Spain, per Marca.

He also states that any club wishing to buy the former Lens youngster "will have to meet his buyout clause" which is "€20 million plus VAT".

That works out at just over £20 million, noticeably less than their £30 million failed bid for Fabregas at the end of July.

Kondogbia, who can play in central defence as well as midfield, is a tenacious player who breaks down opposition attacks, gets from box-to-box with ease and keeps possession calmly.

Although he lacks the creativity of former Arsenal man Fabregas, his energy and power would bring a new dimension to United's sometimes lightweight midfield.

In Moyes' preferred 4-3-3 formation he could sit deep alongside Carrick, giving the ex Tottenham star freedom to push forward and pick clever passes.

That would leave Shinji Kagawa to play in his favourite position behind Robin van Persie, with Ashley Young, Wilfried Zaha, Antonio Valencia and Nani battling it out to start either side of the Dutchman.

Still only 20, Kondogbia would be an excellent first investment for Moyes as he looks to put his own stamp on a United squad completely assembled by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

With the transfer window quickly closing, a move for Kondogbia at a fixed—and reasonable—price looks like a solid piece of business at a pivotal time.