Troy Deeney has urged Manchester United to sign Roma midfielder Manu Kone, claiming the France international could be 'better than Declan Rice'. The 25-year-old is a target for several top European clubs after impressing at the World Cup, with United now leading the race for his signature at a reported fee of €60million (£51m).
Deeney's high praise for Kone
Speaking to talkSPORT, the former Premier League striker said: 'I can't believe the likes of Spurs didn't look at Manu Kone. He's 25, played 45 games two years ago, 37 last year – he's durable. He's playing for France over lads like Camavinga. You can get him for about £60m. When you look at what Spurs paid for Fernandes, who has been relegated twice, it's a bargain. I would love Man United to sign him.'
Deeney compared Kone's style to Arsenal's Declan Rice but added: 'I think he may be a little bit tactically smarter than Declan. He's got very Declan Rice attributes – a big engine, runs hard – but he breaks the lines with runs and is tactically aware. Other than City and Arsenal, he would impact every other midfield in the Premier League.'
United's midfield pursuit
United have already signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer but want a third central midfielder for Michael Carrick's squad. Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Brighton's Carlos Baleba are also under consideration. However, Sky Sports reports United's interest in Kone is not yet advanced, leaving the door open for other clubs.
Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson believes the Blues should hijack the deal. 'He has been excellent for France,' Johnson told Metro via Spinbet. 'A top midfielder, strong, physical, can use the ball well. If Enzo leaves, he can be the perfect replacement. His attributes suit the Premier League.'
Kone's focus on World Cup
Kone, who helped France reach the World Cup semi-finals, has avoided transfer talk. 'Honestly, right now I'm only thinking about the World Cup,' he said. 'It's my first major international competition. I want to remain exclusively focused on this. We'll talk about the future after the World Cup.'
Arsenal had earlier shown interest in Kone, while Chelsea reportedly held talks with his representatives. But United now appear to be the frontrunners for the £51m-rated midfielder, who has been capped 15 times by France.
