Manchester United’s transfer strategy this summer continues to focus on bolstering the centre of the park, and two young midfielders have emerged as front‑runners for what the club describes as its third midfield signing of the window. The first is Manu Kone, the 22‑year‑old French international currently plying his trade at AS Roma, and the second is Carlos Baleba, the 25‑year‑old Spaniard who has been a regular feature for Brighton & Hove Albion. Both players have attracted sustained interest from the Red Devils, and the club’s scouting department is reportedly weighing the merits of each option as they aim to add depth, versatility and a fresh creative spark to a midfield already featuring the likes of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Sky Sports News first reported United’s long‑term fascination with Baleba earlier in the season.
Despite a dip in form during the previous campaign – a period in which the Spaniard struggled to replicate the dynamism he displayed in his debut year – his technical ability, vision and comfort on the ball have kept him on the radar of manager Erik ten Hag’s staff. Sources close to the club say that United have revisited a potential summer move for Baleba, but so far no formal approach has been made to Brighton. Any deal would have to reconcile the club’s valuation with United’s budget, and negotiations are expected to focus heavily on the player’s release clause and possible add‑on payments based on appearances and performance. In parallel, Roma’s Manu Kone presents a different kind of proposition.
The French midfielder impressed on the international stage at this summer’s World Cup, where his composure, intelligent movement and ability to link defence with attack earned him praise from pundits across Europe. Unlike Baleba, Kone’s transfer fee is believed to be more modest, as Serie A clubs often accept lower offers for younger talent who have not yet reached their peak market value. United’s scouting network has reportedly drawn up several scenarios outlining how a deal could be structured, including a potential loan with an option to buy, or a straight purchase financed through a combination of cash and future sell‑on clauses. French media outlets have confirmed that, despite interest from a host of clubs in England, Germany and the Netherlands, United currently sit at the top of the race for Kone’s signature.
The Red Devils are said to be attracted by his ability to operate both as a deep‑lying playmaker and as a more advanced box‑to‑box presence, offering tactical flexibility that could be valuable under ten Hag’s fluid system. Moreover, Kone’s youth and the fact that he still has a five‑year contract with Roma mean that United have the leverage to negotiate a deal that satisfies both parties while also providing Roma with a respectable fee. It is worth noting that the speculation surrounding both midfielders is part of a broader pattern of United’s transfer activity. The club has already secured the services of Tielemans, who arrived from Aston Villa for a reported £30 million, and Andrey Santos, who moved from Chelsea for around £55 million, bringing the total spend on midfield reinforcements to roughly £85 million this summer.
These acquisitions have added experience and technical quality, but the coaching staff still feels there is room for additional competition, especially in the areas of ball retention under pressure and transitional play. Another name that continues to surface in United’s summer shopping list is Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams.
The American international, who is entering the final two years of his contract with the Cherries, has attracted interest from several Premier League outfits, including United, due to his relentless work rate, defensive discipline and ability to drive forward with the ball. Like his teammate Alex Scott – a versatile midfielder who has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford – Adams is seen as a player who could provide depth and a different tactical option without requiring a massive outlay. Speaking of Alex Scott, recent reports indicate that he turned down a new contract offer from Bournemouth earlier this week. The Cherries have made multiple attempts to retain the 24‑year‑old, but the midfielder appears to be leaning towards a move elsewhere, with Arsenal, Chelsea and United all named as potential destinations.
Marco Rose’s Bournemouth side is reluctant to let him leave for free, especially given that he has only two years left on his current deal, and they have already rebuffed inquiries from the Premier League trio. Nonetheless, the player’s agent has hinted that a transfer could be imminent if a club meets Bournemouth’s valuation and offers a clear pathway to regular first‑team football. United’s transfer strategy, therefore, seems to be one of measured patience.
The club is not rushing to finalise a deal for either Kone or Baleba, preferring instead to assess the full spectrum of midfield options while also monitoring other areas of the squad that may need reinforcement, such as full‑backs and attacking wingers. This deliberate approach allows the Red Devils to negotiate from a position of strength, ensuring that any signing aligns with both the tactical philosophy of the manager and the financial framework set by the ownership. In summary, Manchester United’s pursuit of Manu Kone and Carlos Baleba illustrates a dual‑track approach: targeting a high‑potential French international who could thrive after a strong World Cup showing, and a technically gifted Spanish midfielder whose experience in the Premier League makes him a relatively safe bet.
Both players fit the club’s desire to inject creativity, energy and versatility into a midfield that has already been upgraded this summer. As negotiations progress, fans can expect further updates from Sky Sports and other reliable outlets, which will clarify whether United will secure one or both of these promising talents before the transfer window closes.