Manchester United have reportedly agreed a £45 million fee for Roma midfielder Manu Kone, according to former United defender Rio Ferdinand. The news comes as the club accelerates its summer transfer business under manager Michael Carrick, having already secured Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos this week.
Kone deal 'agreed' according to Ferdinand
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand claimed that Manchester United have struck a £45 million arrangement with Roma to bring French international Manu Kone to Old Trafford. “Fabrizio Romano just confirmed that Man Utd have agreed a £45m fee for Kone from Roma, the French international midfielder,” Ferdinand stated in his latest transfer briefing.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano himself has only confirmed that United have made contact with Kone’s representatives, stopping short of confirming an agreement between the two clubs. The 23-year-old has impressed during the World Cup, sparking heightened interest from the Premier League giants.
United's midfield overhaul continues
Manchester United have been busy in the transfer market this week, signing Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, as well as backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer. Tielemans recently returned from the World Cup, while Santos arrived from Chelsea in a £50 million deal.
Despite these additions, United are still thought to desire a more defensively-minded midfield specialist following Casemiro’s exit and the breakdown of Ederson’s transfer from Atalanta. Santos can fulfil this role but lacks the same level of experience as Kone.
Aston Villa also interested in Kone
Aston Villa have also been linked with Kone, especially after losing Tielemans to United. However, the Red Devils could further antagonise their Birmingham rivals by beating them to Kone’s signature. Villa have moved quickly to reinvest the £35 million they received for Tielemans, reportedly striking a £35 million agreement to sign Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes.
Gomes heads for medical ahead of Villa move
According to talkSPORT, Joao Gomes has left Wolves’ training camp for a medical, scheduled for Friday, after Villa agreed a £35 million fee for the Brazilian. The move provides vital midfield cover for Unai Emery’s side after Amadou Onana sustained a serious injury at the World Cup.
Gomes, 25, seemed poised to sign for Atletico Madrid before a fallout with Jorge Mendes, who was orchestrating the deal, led to its breakdown. However, Wolves look set to secure their desired fee after Villa rapidly ramped up their interest.
