Manchester United agree £45m deal for Manu Kone

After reinforcing multiple areas of Michael Carrick’s squad in recent days, attention has now shifted back towards the midfield, where another addition could soon be on the way following France’s exit from the World Cup.

According to Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United have agreed a £45 million deal to sign AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone.

The former United defender revealed the update on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, explaining that the information came from Fabrizio Romano.

Although Romano has yet to share the news publicly on his social media channels, Ferdinand stated that the Italian journalist put out this news.

Manu Kone has emerged as one of the standout midfielders at this summer’s World Cup, but with France eliminated by Spain in the semi-finals, negotiations are now expected to accelerate as the 25-year-old returns to club matters.

United see the French international as the long-term replacement for Casemiro, who recently left Old Trafford after his contract expired before completing a move to Inter Miami.

Roma’s financial situation has also fuelled speculation surrounding the midfielder’s future, with the Serie A club understood to be open to selling key players to balance their finances.

Manchester United have already enjoyed a busy week in the transfer market.

The club secured the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50 million before completing a £35 million move for Belgium international Youri Tielemans.

Those two arrivals mean United have strengthened their midfield for a combined £85 million, the same fee Tottenham Hotspur paid to sign former Red Devils target Mateus Fernandes.

The club had initially looked set to add Atalanta midfielder Ederson to those arrivals, with a £35 million deal progressing before it ultimately collapsed after concerns emerged during his medical.

Rather than dwelling on that setback, United quickly switched their attention elsewhere, with Manu Kone now appearing to be the next priority.

Away from midfield, the Red Devils have also added experienced goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer from Leeds United, where he is expected to provide competition and support for first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

If Ferdinand’s information proves accurate, Manchester United may not have to wait much longer before welcoming yet another new face to Old Trafford.