Manchester United’s midfield rebuild has taken a fresh twist after Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli entered the race for Roma’s Manu Kone, threatening to derail the club’s pursuit of the France international.
Michael Carrick has already welcomed four new signings to Old Trafford this summer, including Chelsea’s Andrey Santos and Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans, as United prepare for a multi-front campaign. But the manager’s priority to refresh his midfield options appears far from complete, with the club continuing to monitor further targets.
“Man Utd face Al-Ahli battle for Manu Kone; Alex Scott decision due in fortnight.”
Kone, 25, impressed during the World Cup and has held talks with United over a move. However, according to Sky Sports Switzerland, Al-Ahli have contacted Roma to learn the midfielder’s price tag and hold “concrete interest”. While Kone is said to favour a Premier League move over La Liga, he is “not ruling out” a switch to Saudi Arabia – a scenario that may concern United after Al-Hilal agreed a deal for West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville, another player the Red Devils had monitored.
Meanwhile, United are also in the hunt for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. The 22-year-old has rejected a new contract at the Cherries and attracted interest from several clubs, with Arsenal representing United’s main rivals. Mirror Sport understands that Carrick’s side are “in pole position”, alongside the Gunners, to complete a deal. Scott’s representatives have held talks with both clubs and the player is expected to make his final decision within the next fortnight. He is claimed to favour a move to Arsenal but has concerns over his chances of earning regular minutes – a factor that could tip the balance in United’s favour.
Elsewhere in the transfer market, the Guardian has published a comprehensive interactive guide covering every deal in the world’s top six women’s leagues this summer – the NWSL, WSL, Liga F, Frauen-Bundesliga, Première Ligue and Serie A Femminile – alongside a club-by-club breakdown. The guide features prominent names including Gotham FC’s Sam Kerr, London City Lionesses’ Alexia Putellas and Borussia Dortmund’s Alexandra Popp.
With Kone’s future uncertain and Scott’s choice imminent, Carrick’s midfield overhaul hangs in the balance.