Manchester United have completed deals for Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos and have been handed a big update on their potential third midfield signing, Manu Kone. AS Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini has admitted that clarity on the future of the 25-year-old France international will arrive in the next few weeks.
United's Midfield Overhaul
The Red Devils are set to spend £85million on Tielemans and Santos after pulling out of the race to sign Mateus Fernandes for the same price, who subsequently joined Tottenham. Another addition would take spending in that department into triple figures. While Aurelien Tchouameni has signed a new Real Madrid contract and Bournemouth would prefer not to sell Alex Scott, Roma may be forced to part ways with Kone due to financial constraints.
Gasperini's Admission
Speaking to Rai Radio Uno, via AllRoma, Gasperini was asked about Kone and revealed that Roma's financial situation could force a sale. He said: "Unlike [Donyell] Malen, he was sidelined for a while due to injury and arrived at the World Cup in better shape. Last year he hadn't played for France yet, and he managed to earn a starting spot, which shows his true worth."
He added: "I think these Financial Fair Play conditions are never so precise and defined; they vary from team to team. Roma also need to balance the books, which have been burdensome in recent years. I hoped that returning to the Champions League would be enough, but it's clear that financial statements are crucial for clubs. I believe there will be more clarity in the coming weeks."
Kone's World Cup Form
Kone is currently preparing for France's World Cup semi-final against Spain. He has been deployed ahead of Tchouameni because of injury in the last two games but the Real Madrid star could return to the starting XI. Arsenal had been linked with a move for Kone but their focus appears to be on Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, particularly as Manchester City lead the race for Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Price Tag
Though Roma may be forced to sell, they are still demanding a premium price of €55million (£47m) for Kone, who has three years remaining on his current contract in Italy.
