Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone over personal terms, placing them ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign the France international. The 25-year-old, who impressed during the World Cup with Les Bleus, is valued at £51m (€60m) by Roma, with United preparing an offer close to that figure.
United's midfield rebuild continues
United are rebuilding their midfield under manager Michael Carrick, having already signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively. Carrick is seeking a third new arrival as United return to the Champions League elite. The club has been in regular contact with Kone's representatives, and L'Equipe reported this week that United hold 'the upper hand' in the transfer race, with the midfielder welcoming a move to Manchester.
Roma demand higher fee
Corriere dello Sport reports that an agreement has been met between United and Kone's camp, with Roma expecting an official offer from the Premier League club. Kone was initially priced at €50m (£42m) during the summer window, but Roma now want €60m (£51m). Saudi club Al-Ahli have also contacted Roma over a potential move.
Alternative to Tchouameni
United had also enquired about Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, but the France star is set to be offered a new contract at the Bernabeu with no indication he wishes to leave. In Kone, United could be signing a more than capable alternative. France and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira rated Kone higher than Tchouameni, telling ITV during World Cup coverage: 'He is for me, the best midfielder in France today. I would put him ahead of Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot because he has got this mobility to move around the pitch. He is aggressive, he is a ball winner and he has got this technical ability to be part of the build-up. He can break lines and play forward.'
