Roma are growing frustrated with Manchester United’s slow pursuit of midfielder Manu Kone, with the Serie A club under pressure to sell before the end of the month to avoid a UEFA fine of up to £12m.
According to Corriere dello Sport, United have yet to make a concrete offer for the France international, despite being his most likely destination this summer. The Premier League side are said to be preparing a £42m bid, but Roma want closer to £50m. With time running out, however, the Italian club may have to lower their valuation, especially after United showed they are not afraid to walk away from a deal when the price is not right.
“Roma frustrated as Man Utd stall on Manu Kone; Bologna set £35m price for Jonathan Rowe.”
The delay comes as Michael Carrick’s side look to strengthen their midfield after returning to the Champions League. United have already added Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, while Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni remains on the radar. The pursuit of Bournemouth’s Alex Scott was called off after the Cherries refused to budge from their £70m asking price.
Meanwhile, United face competition from Everton for Bologna forward Jonathan Rowe. The 23-year-old, whose style has been likened to Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, is a two-footed attacker capable of operating on both flanks. Bologna want around £35m for the British-Jamaican, who scored the winner for England in the 2025 European Under-21 Championship final against Germany.
United’s transfer activity is complicated by Marcus Rashford’s uncertain future. Barcelona declined to trigger their permanent purchase option, meaning the forward could be reintegrated into the squad later in pre-season.