Manchester United are actively scouting for a third addition to their midfield ranks, and two names have emerged as front‑runners: Manu Kone, who currently plies his trade with AS Roma, and Carlos Baleba, the promising young midfielder from Brighton & Hove Albion. Both players have attracted considerable interest from the Red Devils, who are looking to deepen the squad after securing the services of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea earlier in the summer. Sky Sports News first reported United's long‑term fascination with Baleba, noting that despite a dip in form during his most recent campaign, the 22‑year‑old still features prominently on manager Michael Carrick’s radar.
The club is believed to have re‑opened discussions about a potential summer move for Baleba, though no formal approach has yet been made to Brighton. Negotiations would likely hinge on finding a middle ground over the player’s valuation, as Brighton are expected to set a relatively high price tag for the midfielder given his age and potential.
In parallel, Roma’s Manu Kone presents an alternative route for United. The French international, who impressed on the global stage at this summer’s World Cup, is seen as a slightly more affordable target, with the Italian side reportedly willing to accept a lower fee than Brighton’s asking price for Baleba.
Sources close to the French football scene have told Sky Sports that, while clubs across Europe are monitoring Kone, United currently hold the lead in the pursuit of his signature. However, the same outlet cautions that any suggestion of an imminent transfer for the 25‑year‑old would be premature, as the negotiations are still in their early stages. United’s midfield scouting list does not stop at Kone and Baleba.
Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams remains on the club’s radar, as does Alex Scott, another midfielder who is drawing interest from several Premier League sides. Both Adams and Scott are entering the final two years of their contracts with Bournemouth, making them attractive prospects for clubs willing to invest in young talent with the prospect of future resale value.
The Cherries have reportedly made multiple contract offers to Scott, but the midfielder appears to be leaning toward a move away, with interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United reportedly high. While United have already bolstered their midfield with the arrivals of Tielemans and Santos—transactions that together cost around £85 million—their pursuit of a third midfielder suggests a desire to add depth, competition, and perhaps a different tactical profile to the squad. Carrick’s side is said to be weighing a variety of options, not only in midfield but also across other positions, as they aim to build a balanced roster capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
The potential acquisition of Kone would bring a player with a blend of technical ability, defensive discipline, and the experience of competing in Serie A, a league known for its tactical rigour. His performances at the World Cup showcased his capacity to operate in high‑pressure environments, a quality that could translate well to the Premier League’s intensity. Conversely, Baleba offers a different skill set: a more attacking mindset, comfortable on the ball, and accustomed to the fast‑paced, physically demanding nature of English football from his time at Brighton. If United can secure a deal that satisfies Brighton’s valuation, Baleba could provide an immediate boost to their creative midfield options.
Both potential signings would also align with United’s broader strategy of investing in young, high‑potential players who can develop under the guidance of experienced coaches while also offering resale value in future transfer windows. The club’s recent activity, including the high‑profile signings of Tielemans and Santos, indicates a willingness to spend significant sums to secure the right talent, but also a careful approach to ensure that any new arrivals fit the team’s tactical blueprint. In summary, Manchester United’s transfer agenda this summer remains dynamic.
While the club has already added two midfielders, the pursuit of a third—whether it be Roma’s Manu Kone, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams, or the versatile Alex Scott—demonstrates a proactive approach to squad building. The final decision will likely hinge on a combination of factors: transfer fees, contract length, player fit, and the overall strategic vision of the coaching staff.
As negotiations continue and the summer window progresses, United fans can expect further updates on which of these promising midfielders will ultimately don the famous red shirt.