Manchester United's pursuit of midfielder Manu Kone appears to be advancing, with reports suggesting a personal agreement is in place and a bidding war that benefits AS Roma. The Frenchman impressed at the World Cup, attracting further interest.
United's midfield rebuild
United have been linked with Kone throughout the summer as they seek to add another midfielder to a revamped engine room featuring new signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, alongside academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo. However, they face competition from Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.
Reports from France and Italy
According to L'Equipe, United have an agreement in principle with Kone and his representatives, and hold the upper hand in any bidding war. This is ideal for Roma, who aim to maximize the transfer fee for the 25-year-old. Italian reports have routinely suggested a fee of £61m would be sufficient to prise Kone from Roma, significantly cheaper than the reported £75m for fellow target Aurelien Tchouameni.
Praise from Patrick Vieira
French World Cup winner and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira praised Kone while working as a pundit: "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. 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."
