As Michael Carrick pivots from a collapsed Éderson deal, the Red Devils must meet Roma’s valuation to secure France’s rising World Cup star and stabilise Old Trafford.
Manchester United's midfield search has seen the club miss out on some huge targets, as both Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali made the move to Tottenham Hotspur while Elliot Anderson has also moved to Manchester City.
Whilst the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea is practically complete, with Roundtable reporting that United will pay £48m plus £2m in add-ons for the Brazilian, much more recruitment is needed amid uncertainty over Atalanta's Ederson.
The 27-year-old reportedly failed a second medical following Brazil's World Cup elimination to Norway, in which Ederson came on in the 79th minute.
Manu Kone of Roma has emerged as an alternative target, with SportWitness previously reporting that Man Utd are prepared to offer £42.6m for Kone.
Kone has been a standout star in a strong France side at the World Cup, competing with previous United target Aurélien Tchouaméni to be Didier Deschamps' preferred starting defensive midfielder for Les Bleus.
With United's initial offer in mind, Roma have made their valuation of Kone clear, with his performances warranting interest and United's midfield concerns growing.
Roma set Kone price tag
According to reports from Il Corriere dello Sport, Roma are in need of funds after UEFA dropped a fine on the Italian side. The club need to improve their financial situation, and the sale of Kone could be the key to a solution.
The Italian club will reportedly demand a fee in the region of £47 million for Kone, whilst they also consider the sale of fellow midfielder Matias Soule, who has interest from Sunderland and Fulham.
Kone is an athletic profile who has caught the eye of football fans with his performances for France, making what he does look easy. A calm presence resistant to pressure, with elite ball-carrying and a strong frame.
Despite his physical nature, he still has an elite ability to distribute the ball, read the game and control the pace of a match.
The fact that he is competing alongside Tchouaméni for France is a credit to the quality he possesses and showcases how deserving he is of a top move.
Éderson deal collapse leaves Man Utd uncertain
With United's drama with Éderson, paired with the injury to Manuel Ugarte and the departure of Casemiro, United are in desperate need of midfield recruitment. Kone seems like an anomaly in the market, with his price tag seeming far more reasonable than the fees for other midfielders this summer.
Doubts grew over Éderson, especially with the growth in interest in Kone. Éderson's age, paired with his recent performances, raised concerns within the fanbase over his suitability for the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Manu Kone has shown his ability to a much higher standard in the World Cup and in Serie A. He seems the more suited profile to sit next to and behind Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, who were stars of Carrick's team last season.
With the Andrey Santos deal done, Kone seems to be the specialist profile that United are looking for. With Champions League football next season, United's midfield needs major reinforcements for any chance of pushing for silverware.
