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Manchester United have placed Roma midfielder Manu Koné high on their shortlist as Michael Carrick searches for another midfield signing.
The transfer of Kone to Manchester remains realistic after reports claimed personal terms had been agreed, although no deal with Roma has been completed.
Football365 reports that United are assessing Koné alongside Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba, Tyler Adams and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Ben Jacobs said Koné was “definitely high” in the club’s thinking during an appearance on The United Stand.
🚨 RANKING UNITED'S MIDFIELD TARGETS! 👀 #mufc #transfers
With United looking to bring in a third midfielder, Beth asked Ben Jacobs to rank them in order of how highly United regard them. Who do you think should be the third midfield buy?! 🤨 pic.twitter.com/AyN1EociRd
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) July 23, 2026
Manu Kone to Manchester United remains realistic
United have already added Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to Carrick’s midfield. However, the club still want another player who can provide greater athleticism and defensive coverage.
Koné fits that profile through his ability to carry possession, cover ground and compete physically. United have previously contacted his representatives, although Roma have not received a confirmed offer from Old Trafford.
Jacobs also described Scott as a high-priority option but acknowledged Bournemouth’s asking price remains a problem. United contacted the south-coast club before Chelsea submitted their own offer, but they have not formally entered the race.
Adams sits lower on the shortlist, while Baleba has not been ruled out. Tchouaméni would be near the top of United’s preferred options, but his expected new Real Madrid contract makes a summer move unlikely.
ReadManUtd’s complete Manchester United transfer tracker recently identified Koné as one of the leading candidates to complete Carrick’s midfield rebuild. Roma are expected to demand more than €50million before considering a sale.
A Manu Kone to Manchester United deal still requires direct negotiations between the clubs. His position on United’s shortlist is clear, but the club must now decide whether to follow their interest with a formal bid.
James Chettle is a journalism graduate from the University of Liverpool with a strong passion for football and digital sports media. A lifelong Chelsea supporter, James manages dedicated social media pages for fellow Blues fans, giving him a close understanding of supporter culture and the conversations that matter most to audiences. Alongside his Chelsea-focused work, he writes across the Dave.Sport network, covering West Ham United, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Manchester United. His journalism spans breaking news, transfers, match analysis and the wider stories shaping clubs across the Premier League.
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