Manchester United have completed deals for Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos and have been handed a big update on their potential third midfield signing
Youri Tielemans could be joined by Manu Kone as a new signing at Manchester United
Youri Tielemans could be joined by Manu Kone as a new signing at Manchester United(Image: (Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images))
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AS Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini has admitted that clarity on the future of Manchester United transfer target Manu Kone will arrive in the next few weeks. The 25-year-old has impressed at the World Cup with France and could be United's third midfield signing following deals for Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
The latter has had his switch from Chelsea confirmed, while Tielemans is in the final stages of completing a move from Aston Villa. United are set to spend £85million on those two signings after pulling out of the race to sign Mateus Fernandes for the same price, who subsequently went to Tottenham.
Another addition will take spending in that department into the triple-figures, and while Aurelien Tchouameni has signed a new Real Madrid contract and Bournemouth would prefer not to sell Alex Scott, Roma may be forced to part ways with Kone.
When speaking to Rai Radio Uno, via AllRoma, Gasperini was asked about Kone and revealed that Roma's financial situation could force a sale and that his future will become more clear later this month.
He said: "Unlike [Donyell] Malen, he was sidelined for a while due to injury and arrived at the World Cup in better shape. Last year he hadn’t played for France yet, and he managed to earn a starting spot, which shows his true worth.
"I think these Financial Fair Play conditions are never so precise and defined; they vary from team to team. Roma also need to balance the books, which have been burdensome in recent years.
"I hoped that returning to the Champions League would be enough, but it’s clear that financial statements are crucial for clubs. I believe there will be more clarity in the coming weeks."
Manu Kone and Aurelien Tchouameni of France look on
Manu Kone and Aurelien Tchouameni have both been linked to Manchester United
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Kone is currently preparing for France's World Cup semi-final against Spain. He has been deployed ahead of Tchouameni because of injury in the last two games but the Real star could come back into the starting XI.
Arsenal had been linked with a move for the midfielder but there focus appears to be on Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, particularly as Manchester City lead the race for Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Though Roma may be forced to sell, they are still demanding a premium price of €55million (£47m) to sell him. Kone also has three years remaining on his current contract Italy.