Manchester United are linked with Manu Kone as they plan to sign a third central midfielder this summer after already acquiring Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans
Manu Kone is one of several in-demand midfielders this summer(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Manu Kone reportedly asked his agent to suspend any transfer negotiations until after the World Cup.
Kone, 25, is represented by Excellence Sport Nation (ESN), the same agency as Bryan Mbeumo. France team-mates Aurelien Tchouameni, Jules Kounde and Mike Maignan are also among their clients.
Manchester United are said to have approached his entourage, and their client’s involvement at this summer’s tournament will end after Saturday’s ‘bronze final’ against England, much like Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford. Chelsea are also credited with an interest in the Roma midfielder, having apparently spoken to the Serie A side during discussions about Alejandro Garnacho.
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Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the expectation is for both clubs to make offers for Kone over the coming days. The player also appears keen and is said to be willing to sign for United.
However, it is noted that his dream destination would be Paris Saint-Germain. With a move to the back-to-back Champions League winners seemingly not on the cards, Corriere dello Sport claim United are the frontrunners.
The publication states that a decision on his future will be forthcoming once his World Cup is over. They claim that the feeling is that next week could be the real turning point.
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Roma reportedly want approximately £47million for the midfielder. That amount would enable them to earn £34million in profit.
UEFA fined the Italian club £5 million earlier this summer for exceeding targets set in their settlement agreement and for having a squad cost ratio over 70%. Profiting from Kone would reportedly resolve their dispute once and for all.
Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has acknowledged their financial situation this summer. He told Radio Rai 1: “The financial fair play conditions are never exactly precise or defined, they vary from team to team. It’s undeniable that Roma know that we have to balance the budgets, which has been tough in recent years.
“I’d hoped that entry into the Champions League would have been enough, but budgets are important for clubs and must be respected. I think there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.”
Speaking specifically about his in-demand midfielder, Gasperini said: “Kone had a great first half of the season, and then was out of action due to injury for a bit during the second half. He’s having a great World Cup.
“He didn’t play with the France national team last year, but now he’s been able to claim a starting spot. It shows his potential and the work he’s put in.”