Manchester United have an eye on Manu Kone at Roma, who is putting together an impressive season.
Instead of spending £100 million on a midfielder, Manchester United could decide to take a more prudent approach to recruitment.
The possibility of a double deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi and Manu Kone is one alternative way for United to spend the funds.
Kone, 24, is a player who United are tracking closely, and have been aware of for several years.
Last night he scored his first goal of the season for Roma, helping the team to a 3-1 home win over Genoa.
Manu Kone needs to score more goals
Manu Kone is a midfielder who has a bit of everything. He is strong in possession and tenacious off the ball, and he has been key to helping Roma get into the top four places in Serie A.
However, there is one weakness to Kone’s game, his lack of goals.
Last night’s strike for Roma against Genoa was Kone’s third goal in 51 games for Roma, and his first since early December 2024.
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Speaking after the game, Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini admitted that if Kone was scoring goals on a regular basis, he would probably not be playing for the club.
The quotes were carried by Italian outlet TMW, who describe Kone as ‘indispensable’ to Roma.
Gasperini said: “He has great potential, he’s a French international, but if he scored all the time, he wouldn’t be here; perhaps he’d be somewhere else.
“I think he definitely has room for improvement in that respect.”
This season Kone has played the most minutes for Roma, completing 90 minutes in all 17 Serie A games he has played.
He has also played in five Europa League matches, while also featuring for France after being called up to the Les Bleus team for the first time last year.
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Kone is an alternative for United
Manu Kone might end up being more of an alternative for Manchester United in the summer window than in January.
Roma are competing at the top end of Serie A and will be reluctant to let a key player leave the club mid-season.
Kone may also be reluctant to leave mid-season ahead of the World Cup, after establishing himself in the French team.
He would not come cheap, but he would likely be available for half the price of an Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson.
If he can add more goals to his game between now and the end of the season, then Gasperini’s concerns may become reality.
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