United Face £52m Roma Demand for Kone as Mateta Deal Hits Snag

Manchester United are being asked to fork out £52m to land AS Roma's Manu Kone, with the Serie A outfit determined to fend off interest from PSG and Atletico Madrid.

The Red Devils remain on the hunt for midfield reinforcements under Ruben Amorim, who has overseen a squad that, despite some promising summer recruitment, still carries notable limitations. United's previous transfer window saw them spend approximately £230m on Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammels—signings that have largely vindicated themselves, with the latter three proving particularly influential.

Finding a successor to Casemiro remains a pressing priority, whilst concerns linger over the futures of Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte. Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton have all been mooted as potential solutions, though Kone has emerged as another serious candidate.

Italian journalist Francesca Teodori has suggested a move is all but done, claiming multiple sources have indicated the Roma man will depart next summer for Old Trafford. "He's very keen on the destination," she stated, adding that a June switch appears increasingly likely. There's even speculation that a potential arrangement could involve Joshua Zirkzee moving the other way as part of negotiations.

Roma, meanwhile, are reluctant to sell mid-season and have slapped a 60 million euros (£52m) price tag on Kone, whose contract runs until 2029. With PSG and Atletico Madrid circling, the Italian club clearly intends to maximise their return.

Elsewhere, United's pursuit of Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta is hitting headwinds. Oliver Glasner's position at Selhurst Park is creating complications, with Palace apparently keen to let any incoming manager have a say in the striker's future should the German depart at season's end—a scenario the club views as probable.