Manchester United have enquired about France World Cup star Manu Kone, talkSPORT understands.
The midfielder’s band of admirers has grown in recent weeks thanks to a string of superb performances in the heart of France’s midfield.
Kone is expected to leave Roma this summer with the Serie A club in need of funds to bolster the squad ahead of their return to the Champions League.
United are interested in bringing a third midfielder to Old Trafford alongside recent recruits Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Red Devils boss Michael Carrick is understood to be on the lookout for ball-carrying midfielders, a key feature of Kone’s game.
United are likely to have a fight on their hands to land Kone’s signature.
Roma have been contacted by multiple clubs regarding their prize asset with a conclusion expected now that Kone and France’s World Cup dream is over.
Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini recently hinted that Kone could leave the club for financial reasons.
The door is open
“Unlike [Donyell] Malen, he was sidelined for a while due to injury and arrived at the World Cup in better shape. Last year he hadn’t played for France yet, and he managed to earn a starting spot, which shows his true worth,” Gasperini told Rai Radio Uno.
“His future? I think these Financial Fair Play conditions are never so precise and defined, they vary from team to team.
“Roma also need to balance the books, which have been burdensome in recent years.
“I hoped that returning to the Champions League would be enough, but it’s clear that financial statements are crucial for clubs. I believe there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.”
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Reports in Italy claim that Roma are looking for a figure of around €60m (£51m) for Kone.
Should United meet Roma’s valuation then it would take their spending to around £135m solely on their midfield reconstruction.
Earlier this summer, United’s interest in Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes didn’t develop.
And more recently, another target in Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni opted to extend his contract at the La Liga club.
The Premier League club were expected to land Atalanta midfielder Ederson but the deal to bring the Brazilian to Old Trafford is on hold despite having agreed a £38.8m fee with the Italian club.
It relates to a concern over a knee injury sustained last season with United taking a cautious approach.
