"On the midfield situation, I can confirm the appreciation for Manu Kone," Fabrizio Romano said. "There have been contacts with the player's agents, but no bid to Roma and no club-to-club talks. Manchester United are assessing different options. They are very happy with the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans and believe they have signed two top players for a combined fee of £85m. Now they want to choose the right third midfielder."

The transfer battle for Manu Koné is underway in agent calls and scout reports, not yet in formal offers. Both Manchester United and Liverpool are circling AS Roma's France midfielder after his World Cup run, but neither club has submitted a bid. No club-to-club talks have begun. Roma remain uncontacted by either side. What exists is appetite, intelligence, and a clear sense that Kone represents something both English clubs urgently need.

For Manchester United, Kone represents a calculated third step in Michael Carrick's midfield overhaul. The club has already committed £85m this summer — £50m for Andrey Santos from Chelsea and £35m for Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Both signings fit a clear profile: players who press, carry the ball into space, and inject tempo. Kone would be the final piece of a £135m engine room rebuild aimed at pushing United from third-place finishers to title contenders.

Transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey explains: "He does not have Premier League experience, but they think he has everything they want and need. Kone is very much one of the more serious options for their last remaining midfield slot. The fact he is available for a fee of around £51m fits in with their strategy nicely."

Liverpool's urgency

Liverpool is operating from a different playbook entirely. The Reds lost Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate to free transfers this summer, gutting their midfield and defensive core in one stroke. Under new manager Andoni Iraola, Liverpool now has only Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister as established central midfielders. Kone's profile — someone who recovers possession, carries the ball under pressure, and injects pace into transition — is exactly what they need to rebuild.

Liverpool's scouts were present throughout the World Cup as France advanced to the semi-finals, monitoring Kone's progression. His performances caught the attention of both clubs, but it is Liverpool's desperation that makes Kone a genuine target rather than a luxury purchase.

The Roma hold

Here is where the race stalls: Roma are not selling cheaply. Kone has three years remaining on his contract, running until 2029. The Italian club value him at £51m, a price that reflects both his status in their squad and the lack of competitive urgency to move him. Previously, Atlético Madrid's offer of around £34m was rejected as insufficient. That tells you Roma's floor — and suggests both Manchester United and Liverpool will need to move decisively if they want to move him at all.

Romano's confirmation of agent contacts but zero formal bids means the door is ajar but not open. One club will blink first. When they do, the other will have to respond quickly. Roma will take their pick of the two English bids, and the chase will accelerate from quiet diplomacy to genuine negotiation in a matter of days.

FAQ

Who is Manu Kone and why do Man United want him?

Manu Kone is Roma's France midfielder, valued at £51m with three years on his contract. Manchester United, who have already spent £85m on Santos and Tielemans, want him as their third midfield signing to complete Michael Carrick's planned £135m engine room rebuild. He fits their profile: defensive, physical, capable of breaking lines and carrying possession.

Will Manu Kone move to Manchester United or Liverpool this summer?

Fabrizio Romano confirms both clubs are monitoring Kone after his World Cup performances, but no formal bids have been tabled. Agent contacts are ongoing, but Roma have received no club-to-club approaches yet. The race is in its early stages, and Roma are unlikely to move him cheaply given his contract situation.

Why does Liverpool need Manu Kone?

Liverpool lost Salah, Robertson, and Konate to free transfers this summer, severely weakening their midfield. Under new manager Andoni Iraola, the club urgently needs a midfielder who can shield the defence and drive possession. Kone's World Cup performances caught their attention as a potential solution to their midfield crisis.

What is Manu Kone's transfer fee?

Roma value Manu Kone at approximately £51m (€60m), with three years remaining on his contract through 2029. The Italian club previously rejected a lower offer from Atlético Madrid, suggesting this is their firm valuation. Neither Manchester United nor Liverpool has yet tested this price with a formal bid.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 7 outlets. How we work →