Gian Piero Gasperini hints financial pressures may force Roma to sell Manu Koné, offering a major boost to Old Trafford’s aggressive midfield rebuild following the Andrey Santos signing.
Manchester United's midfield summer rebuild has been far from straightforward, having missed out on several marquee targets such as Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.
Despite appearing to act quickly, agreeing a fee for Atalanta's Éderson, a medical issue meant talks collapsed, and United once again had to pivot to other targets, although reports suggest the club could revisit the deal later in the summer.
Having faced several setbacks, United got their first deal over the line, announcing the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for an initial £48 million fee, with a further £2 million in add-ons, with Chelsea retaining a 10% sell-on clause.
Announced on Monday afternoon, the 22-year-old has stated that he wants to make his mark at an elite club, and could soon be joined by Youri Tielemans at the club, with United activating the Belgian midfielder's £35 million release clause to add further key depth to the midfield.
Man Utd receive positive Manu Koné update
After the deal for Éderson collapsed, United could re-enter the Serie A midfielder market, with reports linking Roma star Manu Koné to Old Trafford as they reassess their backup midfield options.
Manchester United have received an encouraging update from Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini about the future of the 25-year-old in Rome.
Speaking in an interview with Rai Radio Uno via Sport Witness, the Roma boss praised Koné's growth, saying: " Unlike 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."
On his future in the Italian capital, he said: "His future? I think these Financial Fair Play conditions are never so precise and defined; they vary from team to team. Roma also needs 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.”
Where this leaves Man Utd's midfield plans
After their slow start to the summer rebuild, the quick-fire double signing of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, whose move is being finalised, will offer some relief to the Old Trafford faithful after missing out on several key targets.
Previous reports indicate that United and Liverpool are the two main clubs in for the French midfielder, but his price tag has fluctuated after impressively deputising for Aurélien Tchouaméni as the more defensive midfielder alongside Adrien Rabiot.
Despite United being ready to offer around £43 million, Roma could demand as much as £50 million to secure the signing of the 25-year-old and add further impressive depth to the centre of the pitch.
While Koné would be a decent partner for Kobbie Mainoo in the midfield, United would still be missing a true defensive midfielder to act as the No.6. With the club missing out on key targets, they could revisit a move for Brighton's Carlos Baleba after being heavily interested in a move last summer.
