Man Utd interest in World Cup sensation confirmed - but there's a catch

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Manchester United hold an interest in Manu Kone, according to The Athletic, but it is unclear whether they are willing to make a bid for the Roma star.

BBC Sport understands United are looking to sign another midfielder this summer, despite the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.

The Red Devils triggered a €41million (£35m) release clause to sign Belgium international Tielemans from Aston Villa last week.

That deal came 24 hours after United paid an initial €56m (£48m) to land Brazil midfielder Santos from Chelsea.

Another midfielder who has been linked with making a move to Old Trafford is Kone, who shone for France at this summer’s World Cup.

L’Equipe reported on Monday that United were leading the race to sign the 25-year-old, with Arsenal also credited with an interest in his services.

The Athletic have since corroborated those reports, saying on Tuesday that Kone has been discussed internally by United officials.

However, it remains to be seen whether Michael Carrick’s side are willing to pay what it will take to prize Kone away from Roma, as per the same outlet.

Neither The Athletic nor L’Equipe have disclosed an asking price for Kone, in the event that Serie A side Roma would be willing to sanction a move.

Kone issued an update on his future prior to the World Cup

Kone has established himself as one of Serie A’s best midfielders since joining Roma from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2024.

Current ETV

Manu Kone

M (C)

Roma

Manu Kone

M (C)

Roma

€49.5M

ETV Range

€44.6M - €54.5M

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He played a key role in helping Gian Piero Gasperini’s men record an impressive third-place finish last season, scoring twice in 29 league appearances.

In quotes carried by Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, via Fabrizio Romano, Kone said when asked about his Roma future in June: “I am focused on the World Cup. After that, we will see what happens.”

Kone made five appearances for France at the World Cup as the two-time winners were comfortably beaten by Spain in the semi-finals.