Manchester United have not ruled out the prospect of landing another midfielder this summer.
The Red Devils have already confirmed the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea, and they are expected to announce the arrival of Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans as their second midfield acquisition.
The club could still further strengthen their midfield. AS Roma Live now report that Michael Carrick’s side have not ruled out a move for Roma star Manu Kone, but there will be competition for him.
Aston Villa have recently gathered concrete information on the 25-year-old after a serious knee injury to Amadou Onana, combined with the unexpected departure of Tielemans to the Red Devils.
They could be prepared to lock horns with United for Kone, but the Frenchman won’t come on the cheap. The Giallorossi are looking for £51 million for the midfielder after his World Cup displays.
Kone would be a good acquisition for United
The Red Devils have had a fascinating transfer window thus far. They secured a quick deal for Santos from Chelsea, and have repeated the same with a surprise move for Tielemans.
Santos and Tielemans are at different phases of their respective careers at 22 and 29, but they should provide more quality on the ball with their ability to make line-breaking passes.
However, United are still lagging behind in terms of height and mobility. That’s where someone like Kone could be useful, given the Frenchman has a good aerial and physical presence at 186cm.
He is also superb with the ball at his feet. At the ongoing World Cup, he has completed 93 percent of his passes and has won an impressive 67 percent of his aerial challenges.
Roma currently want £51m for his services, but the figure could drop in the coming days, given the Giallorossi are eager to recoup funds to avoid another UEFA fine before July 31.
The big hurdle could come through Villa in particular. They have just lost Tielemans to United and may not be without Onana for a substantial period due to a knee injury with Belgium.
Their desperation for a marquee number six means the Red Devils can’t afford to play the waiting game, and must seek to secure another quick deal to bring Kone to Old Trafford.
Stats from Sofascore