"Still work to be done" - Ismaila Coulibaly reveals Premier League ambition after impressive displays on loan from Sheffield United

The 19-year-old Malian joined United earlier this year from Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08, and was immediately sent to Beerschot - owned by Prince Abdullah, and a club with whom United have close links.

Coulibaly has netted three goals in just six games for Beerschot to date, including a recent strike in victory over Anderlecht that sent Hernán Losada's men to within a point of leaders Club Brugge.

And, in an interview with Gazet van Antwerpen, Coulibaly revealed: "Club Brugge talked to my agent. A lot of people thought that I would go there, but in the end this project was better.

"I have more chance of playing time at Beerschot and the Belgian league is still one level higher than the Norwegian one.

"At the same time I am certain that I will play for a Premier League club in three years.

"That would be a childhood dream come true and one that is at the back of my mind."

United are keeping a close eye on Coulibaly, a midfielder with an obvious eye for goal, during his time in Antwerp.

His name was included in a list of U23 players registered with the Premier League for the current season, although there is no plan to bring him back early from Beerschot as things stand.

"I received a lot of messages from the fans to thank me," Coulibaly added, of his goal against Vincent Kompany's Anderlecht.

"That does something to me. It is a motivation for me to work even harder. My family in Mali followed the match online, and Krépin Diatta [of Club Brugge] also sent me congratulations.

"I had put a lot of pressure on myself but at Beerschot, they immediately put me at ease and helped me to find my level. I now notice that I am getting better every day. I'm good with the ball, but physically there is still work to be done."

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