Midfield Reinforcement Efforts
Manchester United are actively considering Roma’s Manu Kone and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba as potential additions to their midfield. The club is seeking a third midfielder signing this summer, having already brought in Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea for a combined £85m.
United’s interest in Baleba is long-standing, despite the player’s reported struggles with form last season. The club has reportedly revisited a potential deal for the 22-year-old this summer. However, official club-to-club contact has not yet been established, and an agreement on the player’s valuation would be necessary.
Kone, a 25-year-old France international, is seen as an alternative target. Reports indicate that Roma’s demands for Kone may not be as high as Brighton’s for Baleba. United have tentatively explored a deal for Kone, who reportedly impressed during this summer’s World Cup. Sources in France suggest that United are currently leading the pursuit for Kone, even with interest from other European clubs. However, any suggestion of an imminent move for Kone is considered premature.
Other Midfield Targets and Competition
In addition to Kone and Baleba, Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams remains on United’s list of midfield targets. Adams, like his teammate Alex Scott, is entering the final two years of his contract with Bournemouth and has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.
Alex Scott, also a target for Manchester United, recently declined a new contract offer from Bournemouth. The Cherries have made multiple offers to Scott since discussions began towards the end of last season, but he has reportedly indicated an unwillingness to agree to new terms. This comes amid strong interest from United, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
Bournemouth has reportedly rejected inquiries for Scott from the Premier League trio, as they prefer not to sell the midfielder, who is also in the final two years of his current contract. Despite the interest, Bournemouth anticipates Scott will remain with the club next season, whether he signs a new deal or continues on his current one.
United are not rushing to secure either Baleba or Kone at this stage, as they are evaluating a comprehensive list of midfield options. The club is also looking to reinforce other areas of the squad.
Competition for Kone’s signature is notable, with Arsenal also reportedly vying for the 25-year-old Roma midfielder. According to one report, United have initiated official talks with Roma regarding Kone, who is valued at 60 million euros (51 million pounds sterling). His performances in the 2026 World Cup are said to have increased his market value, with numerous clubs now interested in signing him this summer.
Roma, despite qualifying for the Champions League, may need to offload players, and Kone is identified as a player who could command a significant fee. Some reports from Italy suggest that United’s decision to withdraw from a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson was influenced by their identification of a new target.
Strengthening the midfield has been a key priority for United this summer, and despite the arrivals of Tielemans and Santos, the club aims to add further quality to their central options.
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Source: skysports.com
