Roma 'reluctantly' plan to accept 'big' Man United Manu Kone offer
Roma are reluctantly preparing to accept offers for Manu Kone amid interest from Manchester United, sources have told Football Insider.
The 25-year-old features high on Man United's shortlist of midfield targets as they aim to add a third following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Michael Carrick's side are one of a number of admirers of the France international, and there is a growing feeling Roma may have no choice but to let him go.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Roma are bracing for offers for Kone and are prepared to accept a new offer in this window.
The Italian club's financial situation has put them in a difficult position, where they would find it difficult to turn down big offers should they arrive this summer.
That stance has placed Man United on high alert, with scouts having been keeping a close eye on his performances over the last 12 months with a big move in mind.
Could Man United make a move to sign Manu Kone?
Football Insider revealed on 17 July that Man United are keeping a close eye on Kone's situation, although their interest is not advanced as things stand.
Despite reports elsewhere going as far as to suggest contact has been made between the two clubs, Man United have no yet made a move, and are assessing multiple options.
Kone remains highly thought of at Old Trafford, though, and with Roma now bracing for offers and preparing to let him move on, they could be tempted to make a move.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "He's a player that Manchester United do admire and he's somebody who was on their list for the defensive midfield reinforcements.
"There's a lot of clubs looking at Kone as well, and Roma would be reluctant sellers with that interest growing in the midfielder.
"Due to their finances, they would find it very hard to turn down any big-money offers for Manu Kone in this summer transfer window, although he still has three years on his contract.
"Kone is one of a number of defensive midfielders that United's recruitment staff are looking at so nothing advanced on this one it's just another player who's on their list.
"If there is a deal to be done, though, then we can expect Man United to be among those clubs making a move."
Which other midfielders are on Man United's radar?
Despite their interest in Kone, Man United are still considering a number of midfield targets as they aim to land a more direct replacement for Casemiro.
As previously highlighted, United's moves for Santos and Tielemans were made in secret while other names were being reported, with the club looking to do deals quietly.
However, Football Insider revealed on 10 July that Man United have plans to sign three new midfielders this summer, with one set to follow those who have already arrived.
The Red Devils have already missed out on key targets including Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, who both joined Tottenham, but are assessing mulitple options.
Bournemouth star Alex Scott and Borussia Dortmund's former Man City academy man Felix Nmecha are both high on United's list, but they are not the only ones.