Eric Bailly is acting as go-between as Manchester United try to sign up Franck Kessie.
According to a report in The Sun the United defender checked out his Ivory Coast team-mate at the African Cup of Nations and has urged Old Trafford bosses to make a move.
The 20-year-old has been in outstanding form for Atalanta and attracting attention inside and outwith Italy.
Chelsea, Juventus and Real Madrid have are all watching Kessie who has been compared to a young Yaya Toure.
Atalanta are resigned to losing their star man in the summer and expect an auction to kick off that would almost certainly lead to Kessie moving to England.
Jose Mourinho is expected to be one of the biggest spenders of the summer with United expecting to be back in the Champions League and making their mark.
Should Kessie decide to move to England United are hopeful that the influence of Billy can point the midfielder towards Old Trafford.