Manchester United have been linked with a move to sign Roma midfielder Manu Kone, and The Athletic's Laurie Whitewell has provided an update on the situation.
Signing midfielders has been a major priority for United heading into the summer transfer window, and the Red Devils have managed to get two deals over the line already.
Andrey Santos has arrived from Chelsea, while Youri Tielemans has signed on the dotted line from Aston Villa after United activated his release clause.
Despite bringing two midfielders to the club so far, United are in the market for a third.
Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that United are looking to bring in a third midfielder in the summer transfer window, targeting more of a ball-winning, physical player.
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Man Utd: Manu Kone transfer update
manu kone
Speaking on the Talk of the Devils podcast, The Athletic's Whitwell has provided an update on United's reported interest in Roma midfielder Kone.
Whitwell has perhaps poured some cold water on a potential move, hinting that his reported price tag could be too high for United in the current window.
"I even now have a slight feeling from speaking to people that maybe the price point that Roma would want, is sort of reduced from what it feels like he would typically be worth, but even that might be too rich for United's blood. I'm kind of hesitating to say anything definitively because, clearly, plans have changed as the summer window has gone on."
There's no doubt United would be able to afford a player like Kone, but they won't want to overpay, especially after already securing two midfield targets.
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Man Utd can afford to be patient
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With United already signing two midfield targets in the summer transfer window, they can afford to be a little patient when it comes to a new addition.
The Red Devils don't need to panic buy, especially with there being plenty of time remaining until the market closes.
United can now sit and wait if necessary, waiting for the market to move and dominoes to fall in order to find a midfielder that strengthens the squad but also finds a player at a good value.
It does feel like this is a situation that could rumble on until the end of the window, which shouldn't be an issue for United fans, as long as they get their man eventually.