United step up midfield hunt
Manchester United have opened talks with the representatives of Roma midfielder Manu Koné as they continue to strengthen their midfield options this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils have already completed deals for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but manager Michael Carrick is keen to add further depth after the departure of Casemiro and a long-term injury to Manuel Ugarte.
No official bid tabled
Romano reports that United executives have held phone conversations with Koné’s representatives, though no formal proposal has yet been sent to Roma.
The Serie A side are waiting to see if United will follow up with a concrete offer. Roma signed Koné from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2024, and the 25-year-old Frenchman has become a key figure in their midfield.
United’s interest comes after a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta fell through when the Brazilian failed the second part of his medical in England.
What next?
Koné, who featured regularly for France at the 2026 World Cup, is valued at around €50m by Roma. United are expected to decide in the coming days whether to advance their interest or turn to other targets.
With the Premier League season approaching, Carrick will be eager to finalise his squad. Koné’s combination of physicality and technical ability would make him a strong option alongside Bruno Fernandes in United’s midfield.
“Manchester United have had phone contact with Koné’s agent, but no official offer to Roma yet,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
