Manchester United have moved ahead of Chelsea and Atletico Madrid in the race for Roma midfielder Manuel Kone. The Frenchman is understood to have a price-tag of around £51million, but the fee could grow if a bidding war arises, as Roma will be hoping. Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli is also believed to be interested, which may worry United after they saw transfer target Crysencio Summerville agree a move with fellow Saudi giants Al-Hilal as part of a £68m deal.
Personal terms agreed
Reports from France understand United have agreed personal terms with Kone and his representatives. Further articles from Italy have also claimed Roma are bracing themselves for a bid from United. L’Equipe understand United hold the advantage in any prospective transfer tug-of-war after making an agreement in principle with Kone. Corriere dello Sport also understand United are expected to make a bid for him very soon.
World Cup form and Vieira praise
Kone has already garnered widespread praise for his composed displays in a France shirt. He featured from the start in every fixture for France right up until their World Cup semi-final exit against Spain, when he entered the fray as a second-half replacement for Adrien Rabiot. On occasions, he was fielded ahead of fellow United transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid. Reports emerging from Italy have consistently suggested that a fee of £51m would be sufficient to lure Kone away from Roma. This figure would be considerably less than the reported £75m valuation placed on Tchouameni, and only marginally above the £50m United splashed out to bring Santos from Chelsea.
Given the glowing endorsement from French World Cup winner and Arsenal great Patrick Vieira, United may be wiser to pursue Kone rather than Tchouameni. The former Manchester City midfielder, speaking in his capacity as a pundit, said: "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."
