Manchester United have made an approach to sign France midfielder Manu Kone.
The AS Roma star has started Les Bleus’ last two matches at the World Cup with Aurelien Tchouameni missing out with a thigh injury.
Kone was outstanding in midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot as Didier Deschamps’ side eased past Morocco on Thursday night, setting up a semi-final showdown against Spain or Belgium.
Arsenal are also interested in signing the former Toulouse youngster with Mikel Arteta eager to add to his midfield options this summer.
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Reports in Italy have even claimed the Gunners have agreed personal terms with the midfielder but their focus now appears to have shifted to Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes with talks underway to sign the Brazil international.
While United are close to signing two other midfielders in Ederson and Andrey Santos, reports also suggest Kone is a target.
La Repubblica report Michael Carrick’s side have made an approach in the last few hours, regarding him as an alternative target to Tchouameni who is now expected to sign a new contract with Real Madrid.
Roma value Kone at a modest €50million (£42.5m).
Kone’s performances at the World Cup have enhanced his reputation with Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira already a huge admirer, believing his skillset is better than that of Tchouameni.
‘He has come into the World Cup with a couple of injuries and it has been a quite difficult season for him,’ Vieira told ITV ahead of France’s game against Norway.
‘But he is for me, the best midfielder in France today. I would put him ahead of Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot because he has got this mobility to move around the pitch.
‘He is aggressive, he is a ball winner and he has got this technical ability to be part of the build-up. He can break lines and play forward.’
United are seeking to rebuild their midfield this summer and want to sign at least two midfielders – possibly three with Manuel Ugarte now facing a spell on the sidelines.
The club are close to wrapping up a £50million deal for Andrey Santos,moving quickly to sign the Chelsea star this week. He is expected to undergo a medical today.
United also agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta back in June with the deal put on hold after he was called into Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad.
He has been undergoing the second part of his medical in the UK today with that move also expected to be confirmed should no issues arise.