Manchester United are actively scouting two midfield prospects as they continue their quest for a third addition to the middle of the park. The two names circulating most prominently are Roma's French international Manu Kone and Brighton & Hove Albion's Spanish midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Both players have attracted the Red Devils' attention, but each presents a distinct set of considerations that the club must weigh before committing to a deal. Sky Sports News has previously highlighted United's sustained interest in Baleba. Despite a dip in form during the previous campaign, the 22‑year‑old still figures prominently on manager Michael Carrick's radar. Sources suggest that the club has begun to re‑examine a possible summer move for Baleba, although no formal approach has yet been made to Brighton.
Any agreement would also hinge on finding a middle ground on the player's valuation, as the Seagulls are believed to hold a relatively high price tag for the young play‑maker. In parallel, Roma's Manu Kone offers an alternative route. The Italian side is thought to be less demanding financially than Brighton, making Kone a potentially more affordable option.
United have reportedly sketched out a provisional structure for a deal that would see the 25‑year‑old Frenchman join Old Trafford. Kone impressed many observers during the recent World Cup, where his performances for France demonstrated composure, tactical intelligence and an ability to drive forward from deep positions. French sources told Sky Sports that, while several clubs across Europe are monitoring Kone, Manchester United currently sit at the forefront of the race for his signature.
It is important to note, however, that the suggestion of an imminent transfer for either Kone or Baleba is considered premature. Both clubs remain in the early stages of negotiations, and United are not under any pressure to rush a decision. The Red Devils have compiled a long list of midfield targets and are methodically assessing each option to determine which player best fits their tactical blueprint and budgetary constraints.
At the same time, the club is also evaluating needs in other areas of the squad. Adding another name to the mix is Bournemouth's Tyler Adams. Like his teammate Alex Scott, Adams is entering the final two years of his contract with the Cherries and has attracted interest from a number of Premier League outfits. United have reportedly kept Adams on their shortlist, recognizing his versatility, work rate and experience in a high‑pressing system.
Both Adams and Scott could provide useful depth and competition for places, but United appear to be prioritising the acquisition of a more creative midfielder to complement the recent signings of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea, who together cost the club roughly £85 million. Speaking of recent arrivals, Tielemans and Santos have already added quality and variety to United's midfield options. Tielemans brings a blend of physicality and passing range, while Santos offers youthful exuberance and an eye for goal. Their combined fee underscores United's willingness to invest in the centre of the park, yet the club remains cautious about over‑paying for additional talent without clear evidence of value.
The situation surrounding Alex Scott, another Bournemouth midfielder, further illustrates United's nuanced approach. Sky Sports reported earlier in the week that Scott turned down a new contract offer from the Cherries. Bournemouth have made several proposals since discussions began toward the end of the season, but Scott reportedly prefers to keep his options open, especially given interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. Marco Rose's side are reluctant to lose the talented midfielder, who is still under contract for two more years, and have already rebuffed inquiries from the Premier League trio.
Nevertheless, United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all believed to be in contention for his signature, with the player having recently returned from a World Cup campaign with England. In summary, Manchester United's midfield recruitment strategy this summer is characterised by careful deliberation and a willingness to explore multiple avenues. The club is weighing the merits of Roma's Manu Kone, whose World Cup form has raised his profile, against Brighton's Carlos Baleba, whose technical abilities remain attractive despite a recent dip in form.
Simultaneously, they are monitoring Tyler Adams and Alex Scott from Bournemouth as potential squad depth options. While no official offers have been disclosed, United's methodical approach suggests they will only act when they are confident a deal aligns with both sporting and financial objectives. The upcoming weeks will likely reveal which, if any, of these midfielders will don the famous red jersey, as the club continues to fine‑tune its roster ahead of the new campaign.