Manchester United’s hierarchy are not convinced about the prospect of signing Roma midfielder Manu Kone this summer, according to The Telegraph.
The Red Devils have already reinforced their midfield department with the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively.
United are still looking for a specialist defensive midfielder, and Roma’s Kone has repeatedly been mentioned as a priority target for the position.
However, The Telegraph provide a different outlook and claim that there is not universal internal backing at the club to pursue a deal for the Frenchman.
United could be eyeing a bigger acquisition than Kone
The 25-year-old has been constantly linked with the Red Devils since the busy end of the World Cup.
It has been reported that United could pay closer to £43 million for the midfielder, while Roma are holding out for £51m. Al-Ahli and Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the situation.
In our view, the speculation is probably agent-driven with the help of Roma. The Giallorossi need to secure a huge capital gain before the new UEFA Financial Fair Play deadline (July 31).
They are probably pushing for Kone’s exit and are urging United to make a formal bid. The Red Devils, on the other hand, could be aiming bigger. Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni could be available soon.
With Los Blancos pushing to land Rodri from Manchester City, it could open the door for Tchouameni’s exit. In fact, Madrid are said to be willing to sell him to United for the ‘right price‘.
Tchouameni would be a clear-cut upgrade on Kone. He is a strong ball-playing number six, but has also excelled with his duel-winning ability, tackles and recoveries. He rarely loses ball possession.
The 26-year-old obviously won’t come on the cheap as Madrid could demand £100 million plus for a transfer, while Tchouameni may want wages in the region of £350,000 per week too.
It remains to be seen whether United spend most of their remaining summer budget on landing Tchouameni or pursue a cost-effective option such as Kone as a third midfield signing.