Manchester United are preparing to submit a formal offer to sign Manu Koné from AS Roma, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport.
The 25-year-old French midfielder has been identified as a priority target for the Red Devils as they look to strengthen their squad this summer.
Koné began his footballing journey at AC Boulogne-Billancourt in July 2015, joining the club’s academy system as a 14-year-old before Toulouse moved to recruit him a year later.
After making 59 senior appearances for Toulouse, Borussia Mönchengladbach completed his permanent signing following an impressive two-year loan spell at the club.
His performances in Germany elevated his reputation significantly, establishing him as one of Europe’s most highly rated midfielders before he sealed a move to Roma in the summer of 2024.
Koné played 37 matches across all competitions last season, earning himself a place in Didier Deschamps’ 26-man France squad for the World Cup.
His displays during the tournament, particularly in the knockout rounds, have attracted widespread interest from clubs across Europe, with United firmly among the suitors.
Following the failed move to sign Ederson from Atalanta, United have turned their attention to Koné as a reported ‘perfect fit’ for English football according to Corriere dello Sport.
Michael Carrick’s side are said to be poised to submit a strong bid, though Corriere dello Sport reports that offers below £42m will not be enough to persuade Roma to part ways with the midfielder.
His World Cup statistics have only strengthened his case, with Koné completing 92.8% of his passes throughout the tournament, while also boasting an 83.3% long-ball success rate.
The Frenchman is a versatile defensive midfielder capable of progressing play, winning interceptions, making tackles, and dominating ground duels with consistency.
Carrick could find his ability to switch play and orchestrate counter-attacks particularly appealing given how his side look to utilise transitions during matches.
With players such as Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali commanding significant fees in recent transfer windows, a £42m price tag for a player of Koné’s quality represents strong value in the current market.