Manchester United eye Roma's Manu Kone as part of summer rebuild
Manchester United are interested in signing AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone this summer, according to reports from Italy. The Premier League club's interest comes as Roma face pressure to raise significant funds to comply with UEFA's financial regulations, potentially making key players available. Il Messaggero, cited by Sport Witness, reports that Roma need to generate approximately €80 million by the end of June, which could force sales.
United's football operations under INEOS have identified central midfield as a priority area for reinforcement, with two new signings sought for the engine room. The 24-year-old French international Kone is said to be among the primary targets. The report suggests Kone is "closest to a possible departure" from the Italian capital and that interest also comes from Serie A side Inter Milan. No formal bid has been made, but the situation is being monitored closely by Old Trafford officials.
The potential move fits into a broader recruitment strategy at United, which also includes seeking a centre-back, left-back, left winger, and a goalkeeper. In defence, United are also assessing a move for Kone's Roma teammate, Ivorian defender Evan Ndicka, as they look to bolster a unit plagued by injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt this season. Both Kone and Ndicka are reportedly valued by Roma in the region of €40-45 million each.
Kone, who joined Roma from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2024, is a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder known for his physicality and ball-carrying ability. His profile would add depth and a different dimension to a United midfield currently built around the talents of Kobbie Mainoo. The club's interest in multiple midfielders indicates a desire for both immediate quality and long-term planning in that sector.
This transfer activity is unfolding against the backdrop of United's managerial situation. Journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that the club intends to accelerate the process of appointing a permanent head coach once Champions League qualification is secured, which could be as early as late April or May. Current interim manager Michael Carrick is considered a frontrunner for the role, and his involvement in recruitment meetings suggests a cohesive strategy is being formed for the upcoming window.
United's summer plans also extend to other targets. The Athletic confirms the club maintains interest in Brighton's Carlos Baleba, though there is a significant disparity in valuation. United, who agreed personal terms with the Cameroonian last summer, were quoted £100 million by Brighton at the time. Following a less consistent season for the player, United now value him at around £50 million, setting up a potential negotiation stalemate with the Seagulls, who are renowned as tough sellers.
The need for midfield reinforcements is clear, with the future of several existing players uncertain. A move for Kone would represent a significant step in refreshing United's options in the middle of the park. The financial pressures on Roma provide a clear opportunity, but United will face competition for the player's signature. The coming weeks, as United's league position becomes secure and their managerial process advances, are likely to bring more clarity to their pursuit of Kone and other targets.
