Manchester United have opened talks to sign Roma and France midfielder Manu Kone for around £51m, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The move comes after the club completed a £35m deal for Belgium international Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
Three more signings planned
United have already made three summer signings: Brazil midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48m, goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer from Leeds United, and Tielemans. Manager Michael Carrick wants a third midfielder after Casemiro's departure, and the club is also targeting a left-winger and a forward.
According to The Sun, United considered Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali earlier in the summer. Anderson is set to join Manchester City for £116m, Fernandes has signed for Tottenham, and Tonali may stay at Newcastle United if Bruno Guimaraes leaves.
Kone pursuit and other targets
United are interested in Bournemouth's Alex Scott, but the Cherries demand £80m for the 22-year-old. Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are similarly priced by Crystal Palace and Brighton. Kone, valued at €60m (£51m) by Roma, featured in five of France's seven World Cup games, including the semi-final defeat to Spain. Romano says United have contacted Kone's agents.
United also plan to sign a left-winger and a forward. Marcus Rashford is back after Barcelona declined a permanent deal, but United are trying to sell him. They admire West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, likely to leave after relegation, and have been linked with Everton's Iliman Ndiaye. A new forward could compete with Benjamin Sesko, who scored 11 Premier League goals last season.
Tielemans reacts to move
Tielemans joined United after Belgium's World Cup quarter-final exit. 'It's hard to describe just how proud I am to join Man United,' he said. 'Signing for such a special club feels incredible, it is the culmination of years of dedication.'
United director of football Jason Wilcox said: 'Youri has consistently been one of the most outstanding midfielders in the Premier League throughout the past seven years. He has all of the technical qualities, as well as the ambition and mentality, to thrive at Manchester United.'
Former players praise deal
Ex-United midfielder Nicky Butt said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast: 'I think he's a very, very good footballer. £35m for him is nothing, that's a phenomenal signing.' Paul Scholes added: 'Tielemans will bring great experience, he's a really good player who knows the Premier League. The fee is nothing, it's very cheap. But United might still need another midfielder.'
United finished third in the Premier League last season and begin their 2026-27 campaign on August 22 against Hull City.
