Moyes has so far been frustrated in his bid to lure Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas to Old Trafford while there has also been speculation linking him with moves for Luka Modric and Marouane Fellaini.
French starlet Geoffrey Kondogbia has emerged as a target for United as David Moyes continues his hunt for midfield reinforcements.
Moyes has so far been frustrated in his bid to lure Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas to Old Trafford while there has also been speculation linking him with moves for Luka Modric and Marouane Fellaini.
Fellaini missed Everton’s final pre-season friendly against Real Betis on Sunday with what manager Roberto Martinez described as an ‘infected cut’.
Sevilla star Kondogbia, who can play in midfield or at centre half, would represent a cheaper option with the 20-year-old available for between 15m and 20m euros.
Kondogbia was linked with Real Madrid earlier in the summer, although that interest cooled after they signed Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi for £24m.
However, Spanish newspaper Marca, which has close links with Madrid, reported last week that the La Liga giants are still keen to tie up a deal.
It also reported Madrid would have to pay a fee to private investment firm Doyen Group, who include Radamel Falcao in their list of clients, because they own 50 per cent of Kondogbia's economic rights – a stumbling block which could complicate any approach from United.
Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido insists he has no intention of selling just a year after signing the Frenchman from Lens, but with a buy-out clause in his contract, he may have no choice.
“Kondogbia is not on the market. But whoever wants him has to pay his 20m euros clause,” Del Nido said.
“But please, any team that tries to sign him – don’t. We will consider it an attack. I’ve already reached an agreement with Doyen and Kondogbia will not go this summer.”
According to sources in Spain, Kondogbia would rather wait a year before moving to one of Europe's top clubs but hasn't ruled out leaving this summer.
Talking about Madrid's interest in June he said: “I am flattered to be linked with Real Madrid. They are a top club, but Sevilla are fantastic for me at the moment.”
Kondogbia was part of France’s victorious squad at this summer's Under-20 World Cup in Turkey, earning him a call-up into the full squad for tomorrow's friendly against Belgium.
After watching United collect the first trophy of his reign with a 2-0 win over Wigan in the Community Shield at Wembley, Moyes revealed he was 'closer' to making his first signing.
He said “We're moving forward. Every day we get closer and the deadline gets closer as well.
“Hopefully we are, but if we aren't, I'm happy to go with what we've got.”
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