As Manchester United continue to look to strengthen their midfield, the situation around transfer target Manu Kone continues to rumble on
Manu Kone of France during the 2026 World Cup match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026, in Dallas, United States
Manu Kone is still being linked with Manchester United(Image: EYE4images/NurPhoto)
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The apparent transfer bidding war for Manchester United transfer target Manu Kone is reportedly making AS Roma very happy. The Frenchman enjoyed an outstanding World Cup and has attracted even more attention.
United have been linked with his signature throughout the summer as they look to add another midfielder to their new look engine room, which already features new signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, as well as academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo. However, the Reds aren't the only ones eying Kone.
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and, Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli are also reportedly monitoring Kone's situation. Reports from France have claimed Michael Carrick's side have an agreement in principle with Kone and his representatives.
This is according to L'Equipe, who have also claimed United have the upper hand in any potential transfer bidding war. The latter claim will be ideal for Roma, who will want to extract as high as a transfer fee as possible for the 25-year-old.
He has already attracted plenty of plaudits for his classy performances for France. Kone started every match for France up until their World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, where he came on as a second half substitute for Adrien Rabiot.
At times, he was deployed ahead of fellow United transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid. Reports from Italy have routinely claimed a fee of £51m would be enough to prise Kone out of Roma.
France's Manu Kone and Aurelien Tchouameni in discussion during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and France at Boston Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Foxborough, United States
Kone and Tchouameni have both been linked with United(Image: 2026 CameraSport)
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This fee would be significantly cheaper than the reported £75m price-tag on Tchouameni and only marginally higher than the £50m United paid Chelsea for Santos.
Considering the praise of French World Cup winner and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, United may be better moving for Kone instead of Tchouameni.
The former Manchester City midfielder, while working as a pundit, said: "He had a really good season in Serie A with Roma. He came to the World Cup after a couple of injuries.
"It has been quite a difficult season for him. He is for me today the best midfielder in France. I'd put him ahead of [Aurelien] Tchouameni and [Adrien] Rabiot.
Andrey Santos of Manchester United in action during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and AFC Wrexham at Helsingin Olympiastadion on July 18, 2026 in Helsinki, Finland
Santos recently featured for United against Wrexham(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
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"He has this mobility, he is aggressive, he is a ball-winner, and he has the technical ability to be part of the build-up, has the facility with the ball to break lines and move forward."
Carrick's side are back in action in a friendly with Rosenborg, which takes place at the Lerkendal Stadium in Norway.