Rennes starlet James Lea Siliki reveals desire to play for Manchester United: 'It's been an obsession since I was old enough to understand'

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Rennes midfielder James Lea Siliki has revealed it is his boyhood dream to pull on a Manchester United jersey. 

Lea Siliki has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Ligue 1 having made 14 appearances so far, as well as one in the Coupe de la Ligue. 

The 21-year-old has been one of the revelations of the campaign having cemented his place in the starting line-up in Sabri Lamouchi's side, but has admitted dreams of Old Trafford and growing up watching Sir Alex Ferguson's treble-winning heroes have fuelled his career to date.

James Lea Siliki has revealed his desire to one day walk out at Old Trafford in a United strip

'Since I was small in my bedroom, I've dreamed of playing big matches and being a professional footballer,' he told Ouest France.

'It's been an obsession since I was old enough to understand.

'I dream of Manchester United, their stadium, their colours. I grew up with the Sir Alex Ferguson years, with Boxing Day games on Canal+, the 95th-minute wins. 

Lea Siliki (right) has played 14 times in Ligue 1 so far this campaign after breaking into the team

'I grew up with Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole together in attack, Mikael Silvestre, Louis Saha, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs, who remains an icon.'

While always a Red Devil at heart, it's a Manchester City eye that has caught his attention in the Premier League this term as he looks for more stars to emulate in his rise to the top. 

'I like watching videos of experienced players, analyse what they do well, tactically, physically, their movements, their physical investment.,' he said. 'Kevin De Bruyne, for example, he's complete.'