United make enquiry to sign World Cup midfield maestro, he could be signed if Ederson deal collapses – report

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea for the transfer of Andrey Santos. Santos, 22, is expected to undergo medical tests imminently in order to become United’s new midfield signing. There are question marks over whether Santos is the club’s first midfield signing or the second this summer, given the uncertainty over Ederson’s fitness. Manchester United yet to complete Ederson move Manchester United and Atalanta found an agreement over a fee for Ederson before the start of the World Cup. However, the Brazilian could not finalise his move to Old Trafford after receiving a late call-up to Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. Recently, it has been widely reported that concerns were raised over an initial medical exam. On Wednesday, journalist Ben Jacobs claimed that United will “conduct thorough medical exams on Ederson before determining whether to proceed with a €45m deal.” Jacobs has now shed light on what United plan to do should Ederson’s medical results fail to convince the club’s recruitment team. Manchester United eyeing Manu Kone Speaking to The United Stand, Jacobs unveiled that Manchester United have made enquiries for AS Roma midfield dynamo Manu Kone. “If the Ederson deal falls through, that COULD be revisited by United,” the journalist added. 🚨 United HAVE made enquiries into Manu Kone from Roma, and if the Ederson deal falls through, that COULD be revisited by United! [@JacobsBen @UnitedStandMUFC] #mufc pic.twitter.com/jSbkb2W84l — The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) July 9, 2026 Akin to Ederson, Kone emerged as one of Serie A’s most physically dominant midfielders last term. On top of that, the 6’1″ Frenchman is a technically secure midfielder who uses his exceptional ball control to drive the ball higher up the field. Kone is currently enjoying a promising World Cup campaign with France in North America. Earlier today, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United have been informed that Kone is keen to test himself in the Premier League and Roma are willing to sell for the right price. The 25-year-old is thought to be “very keen” on becoming a Red Devil. Featured image Paolo Bruno via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!