Manchester United are currently leading the race to sign Roma midfielder Manu Kone, although they view him as an alternative to Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba, according to Sky Sports sources.
Kone impressed at this summer's World Cup, playing a key role in France's run to the semi-finals in Aurelien Tchouameni's absence. This, along with his form for Roma last season, has attracted attention from several clubs across Europe.
United are the frontrunners to land Kone's signature, as they continue their midfield rebuild following the departure of Casemiro at the end of last season.
That said, suggestions that a deal for the Frenchman is imminent are premature, with the Red Devils still weighing up whether to accelerate a move for him or to push for Baleba.
Man Utd Lead Race for Manu Kone
Manu Kone Romavia Reuters
After qualifying for the Champions League, United are looking to bulk out their midfield department this summer, so that Michael Carrick's squad can cope with the increased volume of fixtures next term.
With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte sustaining an ACL injury, the need to sign a number of central midfielders has been exacerbated. United activated Youri Tielemans' £35 million release clause at Aston Villa, signing the Belgian for this reduced fee, while they also secured a £50 million deal for Chelsea's Andrey Santos.
It's widely understood that they want to add one more midfielder to their ranks this summer, and Baleba and Kone are clearly the leading candidates.
Sky Sports report that Baleba is currently the top target, although United are yet to make contact with Brighton about a deal for the Cameroonian.
Kone, described as the current 'best midfielder in France' by Patrick Vieira, has been identified as a direct alternative, and the north-west outfit believe they can land the 25-year-old for significantly less than what it'd cost to sign Baleba.
However, United's pursuit of Kone up until this point is said to have been tentative, and that they are not in a rush to move for the France international or Baleba yet.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
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Man Utd Taking Unusually Measured Transfer Approach
Collage featuring Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Glazer family and Old Trafford.
This reporting suggests that United are taking a very measured approach in the transfer market this summer. They're patiently waiting to see how the market unfolds, assessing their various options, before making decisive moves.
This is certainly a drastic change in strategy and unusual for the typically brash Red Devils hierarchy. United have developed a reputation for being reckless and moving without caution in the transfer market.
This normally senseless approach has resulted in years of underperformance and poor recruitment, with ridiculous fees paid out for mediocre players. Finally, however, they may have learned from their old ways and are seemingly starting to make more informed, careful decisions.