Manchester United are expected to submit a bid for Roma midfielder Manu Kone this week, according to reports from Italy. The 25-year-old France international is keen on a move to Old Trafford after helping his country reach the World Cup semi-finals.
Kone Bid Expected Imminently
Reports emerging from Italy suggest that United could lodge a bid for Kone as early as today. Roma are holding out for a fee in excess of £42.5 million for the player, who cost them just £15.3 million from Borussia Monchengladbach after an initial loan spell. Kone has made 82 appearances for the Serie A side and featured five times for France at the World Cup, playing 45 minutes in their semi-final defeat to Spain.
According to sources, Kone wanted to wait until after the World Cup for his representatives to explore a move. United have already added midfield reinforcements this summer, signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £50 million, as well as Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow. However, an injury to Manuel Ugarte during the World Cup has increased the urgency for another midfield addition.
Carrick Positive After Pre-Season Opener
Manchester United kicked off their pre-season programme with a defeat to Wrexham on Saturday, but manager Michael Carrick saw positives from new signing Andrey Santos. "There's loads of little positives to take from the game," Carrick told MUTV. "I thought Andrey and Mason [Mount] did some really good things and connected really well. I could see some positives there."
Santos, a Brazilian midfielder, joined from Chelsea this summer. Tielemans and Darlow have also completed moves to Old Trafford as United look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
Vitek Open to Departure
United goalkeeper Radek Vitek has indicated he is open to leaving the club this summer, either permanently or on loan. The young Czech impressed during his loan spell at Bristol City last season and is eager to be a first-choice keeper rather than playing back-up to Senne Lammens. "I feel great and ready to go again somewhere to be, hopefully, number one, so we will see," Vitek said after playing the second half against Wrexham. "We will see what is going to happen. At the moment, I am still here, but we will see. I hope so. I hope there will be some interest. I think you will know when things are more concrete."
United have already made more than £80 million worth of signings this summer, and further departures could free up funds and squad space for additional arrivals.
