Manchester United could have an ace up their sleeve when it comes to negotiating the price for Roma midfielder Manu Kone this summer.
The Red Devils have already bolstered their midfield options through the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa. However, Michael Carrick is set to add a third and final midfielder to his squad.
Several names have been linked with Old Trafford and Kone is one of the most prominent. It emerged this week that Man Utd had reached an agreement in principle over personal terms with the 25-year-old. That just leaves a fee to be agreed with the Serie A outfit, who are understood to be open to allowing the French international to leave.
Man Utd suggest Manu Kone swap deal
Manu Kone Romavia Reuters
Having already spent nearly £100 million on Santos and Tielemans, it is thought that the third Man Utd midfield purchase will be for a less significant fee.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Roma have set an asking price of €60m, around £51m, for Kone. So far, that has proved too lofty for the Red Devils. However, Carrick's side may have a way to significantly slash that valuation.
It's touted that Man United could offer to send Marcus Rashford to Roma in exchange for Kone. The 28-year-old's move to Barcelona fell through and he is still to find a new club, having been frozen out at Old Trafford.
The Italian outlet claims that Rashford has been offered to Roma. That swap deal would still require the Premier League side to include cash for Kone, but would drop the £51m by a significant amount.
Roma put off by Marcus Rashford salary
Marcus Rashford in action for EnglandMarty Jean-Louis/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect
Man Utd value Rashford at £40 million, but the fact that Barcelona were unwilling to even stump up the £26 million clause in his loan contract would allow Roma to call the shots when discussing a discount on the Kone transfer fee.
There is a stumbling block in the proposal, in that Roma are unlikely to have the means to meet Rashford's salary demands. That is said to be a 'major hurdle' should Man Utd pursue a swap proposition.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
A temporary loan to Roma is said to be the only realistic way that some sort of swap agreement could be reached, but that is ultimately not what either club is hoping for.
Rashford is under contract at Old Trafford until 2028 and his £325,000 a week salary makes him the club's top earner.
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Manchester United are in the market for one more midfield addition, but favourable player stances mean the club is in no rush for the purchase