Chelsea open talks to sign £51m World Cup star ahead of Manchester United

Chelsea have held ‘initial talks’ to sign France World Cup star Manu Kone ahead of Manchester United, according to reports in Italy.

Kone, 25, was being linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe even before he featured heavily for semi-finalists France in the World Cup.

The Roma midfielder played in five of France’s seven World Cup games, including their semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday night.

Premier League champions Arsenal were heavily linked with Kone earlier in the summer but Manchester United then emerged as his most likely destination.

United have made midfield reinforcements their priority this summer after Casemiro’s emotional departure and Manuel Ugarte’s horror injury.

Michael Carrick has already welcomed Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, but wants a third midfielder to join his squad at Old Trafford.

It was reported earlier this week that Manchester United had opened talks with Kone’s representatives as they are keen to made the Frenchman their third midfield signing of the summer.

But United face a fair amount of competition in the battle to sign Kone, with Chelsea entering the race as they look for signings for new boss Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea have been in talks with Roma about a deal for ex-United winger Alejandro Garnacho, who is set to be sold after a disappointing first season in west London.

During those talks Chelsea have expressed interest in Kone, according to Italian outlet Corriere della Sera, with ‘initial talks’ already taken place over the transfer.

Chelsea are monitoring the market for midfield signings as Enzo Fernandez continues to push for a move away from Stamford Bridge.

They are also light in midfield following Brazil international Santos’ £47m move to Manchester United.

Roma want around 60m euros (£51m) for Kone, who was pictured in tears following France’s somewhat surprising World Cup exit at the hands of Spain.

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