Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone as the club looks to reshape its midfield this summer.
The move comes after United agreed a deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, with the Red Devils reportedly winning the race ahead of Newcastle United for his signature.
Santos could cost up to £50m, and United appear willing to spend a similar figure again as they push to strengthen the engine room further.
Manuel Ugarte could be set to follow Casemiro out of Old Trafford this summer, which would leave United short of options in central midfield ahead of a crucial season.
United are already closing in on a deal for Ederson, but reports indicate the club is not planning to stop their midfield recruitment there.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man United are now seriously keen on signing Kone, with Roma prepared to offload their star midfielder for £50m.
Roma are willing to sanction a sale, giving United a genuine opportunity to secure the 25-year-old France international before the transfer window closes.
Kone made 29 appearances for Roma in Serie A last term, contributing two goals and three assists as he established himself as one of the division’s more influential midfielders.
Scout Ben Mattinson has lauded the midfielder for “game-breaking ball carrying” and praised him for the way in which he sets the tempo in games.
Kone is often utilised in a defensive midfield role, meaning he could serve as a direct replacement for Casemiro, who has been widely reported to be joining Inter Miami.
The Frenchman averaged 61.3 accurate passes per 90 at the World Cup, with only Aurélien Tchouaméni averaging more among his international teammates.
Casemiro averaged just 45.2 accurate passes per 90 in the Premier League last season, though the Brazilian did outperform Kone defensively, averaging 3.1 tackles compared to Kone’s 2.0 for France.
Kone also averaged 1.0 possession recoveries per 90 in the final third at the World Cup, a figure higher than any United player managed in the Premier League during the 2025-26 campaign.
Michael Carrick will need significant squad depth as United prepare to return to Champions League football, making multiple midfield additions a priority this window.
At £50m, Kone represents a credible and potentially exciting acquisition, and the player’s own interest in a Premier League move could give United the edge in negotiations.