Manchester United has reportedly reached an agreement in principle with French midfielder Manu Kone, according to an Italian newspaper. This development suggests that Kone could become the club’s third midfield signing this summer.
Despite this reported agreement, an official bid for Kone has not yet been submitted. The club is expected to pursue a defensive midfielder during the current transfer window.
Midfield Reinforcements and Competition
The need for midfield reinforcements at Manchester United is evident, particularly following the departure of Casemiro and a long-term injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte at the World Cup. The club previously missed out on signing Elliot Anderson, who later joined Manchester City.
Kone, who represented France at the World Cup, is valued by his club, Roma, at approximately €50 million. Manchester United leads the chase for the Roma midfielder, but faces competition for his signature from Arsenal. Other clubs reportedly showing interest include Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and Al-Hilal.
According to one Italian publication, Manchester United is preparing to offer €50 million for Kone. Contacts between the club’s representatives and Kone’s camp are ongoing, and an agreement in principle on personal terms has reportedly been reached.
Other Transfer Market Activities
In other transfer news, Arsenal has also revived its interest in Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who was part of Spain‘s World Cup-winning squad. West Ham has rejected a second offer from Roma for Dutch forward Crysencio Summerville, with the Italian club reportedly working on a final proposal.
Aston Villa is considering a move for Summerville as they look to replace Morgan Rogers, who is set to join Chelsea. Barcelona has scheduled a meeting with forward Ferran Torres, who scored Spain‘s winner in the World Cup final against Argentina, to discuss his future with one year remaining on his contract and interest from Paris St-Germain.
Ipswich Town has agreed a deal to sign centre-back Issa Diop from Fulham. Newcastle and Leeds are among the Premier League clubs considering a move for FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju. AC Milan has identified winger Konstantinos Karetsas as a summer transfer target, potentially requiring the sale of Rafael Leao to fund the move.
Brighton has reportedly turned down an offer for winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, who has been linked with West Ham. Middlesbrough is reportedly leading the race for forward Will Lankshear. Additionally, Middlesbrough and Norwich are reportedly competing for defensive midfielder Balthazar Pierret.
Sheffield United is reportedly leading the race to sign winger Rabbi Matondo, who has been training with the club. Notts County is in pole position to sign midfielder Leon Chambers-Parillon.
Manchester United has already signed two midfielders this summer, with Andrey Santos joining from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans also moving to United. The club aims to enhance the quality of its squad under Michael Carrick as they prepare to play in the Champions League next season.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano noted that while Manchester United has had contact with Kone’s representatives, no official bid has been made to Roma, and no club-to-club negotiations have taken place as of today.
The club is currently assessing how much they can spend on a defensive midfielder before proceeding with further steps.
Reports suggest that the price tag for the French midfielder would be lower than some figures that have circulated.
Manchester United has already secured the services of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer.
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Source: independent.co.uk
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Joel Kavanagh is a Sports News Writer at News-GB. He started on a Midlands sports desk. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from De Montfort University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Leicester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight calendar. “In sport news, the first ten minutes decide everything.”