Flashscore sources: Manu Kone a new target for Manchester United amid midfield rethink

The club have been aiming to get deals done early and have an agreement in place to sign Ederson from Atalanta. This week they also agreed a deal to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea.

They want to sign three midfielders, ideally, but two other key names are now all but ruled out.

Aurelien Tchouameni has been assured of his future at Real Madrid and is set to sign a new contract, while Bournemouth are digging their heels in over any potential deal for Alex Scott. 

Kone, 25, is a versatile midfield option and could leave Roma for under £50 million. That is an important number, because United are seekig good value in their signings.

While he was not one of the top names on United's list for this summer, he is a player they have had on their radar for some time.

France international Kone has the type of experience and quality the club want to add to the squad.

There is a determination to make sure they are not left short of options in the middle of the park as they prepare for a return to European football under Michael Carrick.

There are also ongoing considerations in other areas of the pitch.

They want at least one option on the left, are considering a centre-back, and could even sign a new forward if the right opportunity arises.