Manchester United in two-way race to sign the African 'Xavi'

Manchester United are reportedly in a two-way hunt alongside Manchester City to pursue the signature of Nice midfielder Jean-Michel Seri.

The Ivory Coast international was heavily tipped to leave the French outfit last summer, but his proposed move to Barcelona fell through at the final hurdle.

Despite this, the interest in the 26-year-old does not seem to have ceased with M.E.N claiming that both United and City are keeping a close eye on the midfielder's situation.

United have earmarked the midfielder as a probable candidate to replace either Michael Carrick, who has decided to hang up his boots at the end of the season.

On the contrary, Pep Guardiola's side view Seri as a probable long-term successor to Fernandinho, who is approaching the twilight of his professional career.

Seri dubbed the African 'Xavi', has contributed one goal and five assists for Nice this season. He has a £35m release clause on his existing contract which expires in 15 months' time.