Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Manu Kone’s entourage.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the Red Devils are preparing to submit a bid in the region of £42.6 million to AS Roma.
Manu Kone tipped for imminent United move
The 25-year-old would become United’s third midfield signing of the summer, following Andrey Santos (£50m) and Youri Tielemans (£35m) through the doors at Carrington.
Kone would be the only one without any Premier League experience, though he has been making a name for himself across Europe in recent years and impressed with his showings at the World Cup with France this summer.
A lot of reports suggest that Manchester United are looking at him, and I think that would be excellent.
“It's, from what we hear, a great market opportunity, the value that you could get him from Roma.”
France’s Manu Kone was one of the World Cup’s breakout stars – and… pic.twitter.com/xi1fA5gZJE
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 15, 2026
He played a key role in Didier Deschamps’ squad as the 2018 winners made it to the semi-finals before falling to a 2-0 defeat against eventual champions Spain.
"He is, today, the best midfielder in France" 👀
Patrick Vieira lauds praise on Manu Koné before labelling Roy Keane a 'water carrier' 😅 pic.twitter.com/kb2IZcqvnD
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 26, 2026
What is Roma’s stance on selling Kone?
Roma have already opened the door to a potential sale in order to aid their FFP situation.
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini was put on the spot over whether his club would feel inclined to part ways with Kone before the transfer deadline, to which he responded: “The financial fair play conditions are never exactly precise or defined; they vary from team to team. It’s undeniable that Roma know that we have to balance the budgets, which has been tough in recent years.
“I’d hoped that entry into the Champions League would have been enough, but budgets are important for clubs and must be respected. I think there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.”
Manu Kone 🇫🇷 vs Juventus pic.twitter.com/FGLujvwQp7
— ASRomaComps (@roma_comps) April 7, 2025
Now that the Frenchman’s international commitments have concluded, it’s no surprise that developments are coming thick and fast regarding his future.
In the meantime, United are still considering alternative targets, such as Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga.
Read more: United unfazed by contract talks, enquiry now made for dream £70m Casemiro successor
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