Midfield Reinforcement Search
Manchester United are actively considering Roma’s Manu Kone and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba as they continue their search for a third midfield signing this summer. The club has reportedly revisited a potential deal for Baleba, while also exploring options for Kone. Sources in France suggest that Manchester United are currently leading the pursuit for Kone’s signature.
Despite Carlos Baleba’s form last season, Michael Carrick’s side maintains interest in the player. Movement has been made to revisit a potential deal for the 22-year-old, though official club-to-club contact has not yet occurred. A compromise regarding the player’s valuation would be necessary for a transfer to proceed.
Manu Kone is seen as an alternative target, with expectations that Roma’s demands for a transfer fee might be lower than Brighton’s for Baleba. Manchester United have tentatively explored a deal for the France international, who reportedly impressed during this summer’s World Cup. However, any suggestion of an imminent move for the 25-year-old is considered premature.
Competition and Other Targets
The pursuit of Manu Kone could face competition, as Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli is reportedly pursuing the midfielder, valued at £51m. This development could impact Manchester United’s transfer strategy. Reports indicate that Al-Ahli has approached Roma to ascertain Kone’s valuation, showing concrete interest following his performances at the World Cup.
While Kone is said to prefer a move to the Premier League over La Liga, he has not ruled out a transfer to Saudi Arabia. Manchester United are monitoring the Roma star, with Liverpool and Atletico Madrid also having previously shown interest.
In addition to Kone and Baleba, Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams remains on Manchester United’s list of midfield targets. Adams, like his team-mate Alex Scott, is entering the final two years of his contract with Bournemouth and has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.
Alex Scott is another target for Manchester United, and he recently declined a new contract offer from Bournemouth. Discussions for a new deal had been ongoing since the end of the season, but Scott has reportedly indicated he is unwilling to agree to new terms amid strong interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
Bournemouth has reportedly rejected inquiries from the Premier League trio for Scott, who has entered the final two years of his current contract. The club expects Scott to remain a player for the upcoming season, regardless of whether he signs a new offer or continues on his current deal. United, Chelsea, and Arsenal are believed to be the frontrunners for Scott, who travelled to the States with the England squad ahead of the World Cup.
Current Midfield Signings and Future Plans
Manchester United have already secured two midfield signings this summer: Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea, for a combined fee of £85m. The club is not rushing to make further moves for midfielders at this time, as they have a comprehensive list of targets and are continuing to assess the best options to pursue, alongside reinforcing other areas of the squad.
Michael Carrick’s team is reportedly in a strong position, alongside Arsenal, to secure Alex Scott. His representatives have held discussions with both clubs, and the player is expected to make a final decision within the next two weeks.
Scott is reportedly inclined towards a move to Arsenal but has reservations about consistent playing time, which could benefit Manchester United. If signed, he would represent the club’s third midfield acquisition of the summer.
Club captain Bruno Fernandes is expected to commit his future to Manchester United and is set to be offered a new £400,000-per-week contract, following a record-breaking season with 21 assists in the Premier League.
This development allows Carrick to focus on recruiting new players to join Fernandes in midfield, with the club continuing to determine its best options.
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Source: skysports.com
