United turn to another French maestro after Tchouameni heartbreak, 25-yo “very keen” on Old Trafford switch – report

Manchester United are ready to reignite their long-term interest in Manu Kone after AS Roma made a crucial decision on the French midfielder’s future, according to a new report. Major Blow United were dealt a significant setback last night after it emerged Real Madrid superstar Aurelien Tchouameni had agreed a new contract with the Liga giant. The 26-year-old France international was considered the ‘dream target’ to replace Casemiro by Old Trafford chiefs, having already taken the reins from the Brazilian at the Bernabeu in 2022. There had been growing optimism that Madrid would sanction a sale to fund a big-money signing in midfield, with strong links to Rodri and Enzo Fernandez. However, after a conversation with Jose Mourinho – set to return as Los Blancos’ manager 13 years after his first stint – Tchouameni has now committed his long-term future in the Spanish capital. There is a sense that the Rouen native’s agent, who also represents Kone, had encouraged interest from United in order to strike a better deal for his client, even if reputable sources claim a move was possible had Madrid wanted it. But this has led the Red Devils to pivot towards Kone, a teammate of Tchouameni in France’s World Cup squad. The fact they both share the same agent suggests the Roma midfielder’s future was brought up in recent talks with INEOS. A Serious Option TEAMtalk reveals Manchester United are now “plotting a move” for Kone after learning of Roma’s £50 million valuation of their 25-year-old star. I Giallorossi need to raise funds to avoid incurring penalties for financial infractions, even after qualifying for the Champions League with a comfortable third-placed finish in Serie A. “Despite securing Champions League football, the Italian side are understood to require player sales to meet UEFA’s financial regulations, with Kone viewed internally as their most valuable saleable asset,” the report states. “Sources have told us the Frenchman could be available for a fee in the region of £50million. Intermediaries have already spoken to Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool as they continue sounding out potential destinations.” Kone is understood to be open to a switch to the Premier League, with a previous report relayed by The Peoples Person claiming he is “very keen” on becoming a Red Devil. His profile – a physical duel-winner with excellent ball-carrying skills – lends itself perfectly to the cut and thrust of English football. An impressive campaign at the World Cup is said to have “enhanced his growing reputation”, with the 6’1″ dynamo having “demonstrated the athleticism and technical quality that have attracted admirers from across Europe.” Final Thoughts Interestingly, in France’s 3-0 win over Iraq in the group stages, Kone started in place of Tchouameni after the Real Madrid man was ruled out with an adductor injury. The fact that Didier Deschamps considers the former a suitable replacement for the latter explains why United have adopted the same logic. TEAMtalk even claims INEOS have been made aware of fellow Madridista Eduardo Camavinga’s availability, but prefer Kone as a “serious option” to bolster Michael Carrick’s engine room. 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.