Manchester United and Liverpool could end up going head-to-head in the transfer market this summer.
Under Michael Carrick, Manchester United are moving aggressively in the market.
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They have agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, structured as £48m up front plus £2m in achievable add-ons, while the Blues have retained a 10% sell‑on clause.
The Red Devils are also finalizing the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans after triggering his £35 million release clause.
But it seems that Carrick is not done. Corriere dello Sport report that both Manchester United and Liverpool are keen on Roma midfielder Manu Kone.
For Liverpool, this is not a new name but a familiar one resurfacing at the top end of the market.
Back in 2023, the Reds opened talks with Borussia Monchengladbach over Kone, with reports at the time suggesting a potential deal in the €40–45 million range as part of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield refresh that summer.
It’s claimed Roma have already rejected a €40 million bid from Atlético Madrid for Kone. The Giallorossi are now signalling that it will take an offer closer to €60 million (around £50–51 million) to even start a serious conversation:
“The Giallorossi club has no intention of equating Koné’s valuation with that of Hjulmand who has just been bought from Atletico and, on the strength of the Frenchman’s performances on the world stage, has set a precise price: sixty million euros, not one less,” it’s reported.
“A clear message, delivered to agents and intermediaries has also arrived in the Premier League, where Manchester United and Liverpool are following the evolution of the situation with great attention.”
That move never got over the line, but fresh Italian reporting now places Liverpool back in the picture. They are described as competing with Manchester United and keeping a close watch on Kone’s situation at Roma after his World Cup performances and Atletico’s rejected bid.