Manchester United are actively scouting for a third midfielder to bolster their squad, and two names have emerged as front‑runners: Manu Kone, who currently plies his trade at AS Roma, and Carlos Baleba, the young playmaker from Brighton & Hove Albion. Both players have attracted considerable attention from the Red Devils, who are keen to add depth and variety to a midfield already featuring the recent signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. The interest in Baleba is not a new development.
Sky Sports News previously reported that United have maintained a long‑term fascination with the 22‑year‑old Spaniard, despite a dip in form during his most recent campaign. Michael Carrick’s coaching staff still regard him as a player with significant upside, particularly given his technical skill set and ability to operate in tight spaces.
While no formal approach has been made to Brighton, reports suggest that the club have reopened discussions about a possible summer move. The main obstacle appears to be a valuation gap – Brighton are believed to have set a price tag that United consider steep, and both parties would need to reach a compromise before any agreement can be signed.
In parallel, Roma’s Manu Kone presents a different kind of proposition. The French international, now 25, impressed many observers during the recent World Cup, where his performances highlighted his composure, passing range, and tactical intelligence. Sources in France have told Sky Sports that, although several European clubs have expressed interest, Manchester United currently hold the advantage in the race for his signature. Roma’s asking price is expected to be more modest than Brighton’s demand for Baleba, making Kone an attractive alternative if United wish to secure a quality midfielder without overspending.
Both potential targets fit distinct roles within Carrick’s tactical framework. Baleba, trained in the English game, offers a blend of physicality and creative flair that could complement Tielemans’ deep‑lying playmaking abilities.
He is comfortable drifting between the lines, linking defense and attack, and could provide the kind of unpredictability that United sometimes lack in the final third. Kone, on the other hand, brings a more continental style – a calm distributor who can dictate tempo and shield the back line with disciplined positioning. His experience in Serie A, combined with his recent World Cup exposure, suggests he can adapt quickly to the Premier League’s pace.
While United’s scouting network continues to monitor these two prospects, the club’s transfer strategy remains measured. They have already invested roughly £85 million this summer to acquire Tielemans from Aston Villa and Santos from Chelsea, indicating a willingness to spend but also a desire to avoid reckless splurges. The Red Devils are also keeping an eye on other midfield options, such as Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams, who is entering the final two years of his contract and has attracted interest from several top‑flight sides.
Like Alex Scott – another Bournemouth midfielder linked with United – Adams could become available at a reasonable fee if his club decides to cash in before his contract expires. Speaking of Alex Scott, recent reports confirm that he declined a new contract offer from Bournemouth. The Cherries have reportedly made several proposals, but the midfielder appears to be leaning towards a move elsewhere, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all named as potential destinations.
Marco Rose’s Bournemouth are reluctant to lose him without compensation, especially as they have already turned down inquiries from the three Premier League clubs. Nevertheless, United remain patient, preferring to evaluate all midfield possibilities before committing to a single player.
In summary, Manchester United’s midfield recruitment this summer is characterised by a blend of ambition and caution. The club has already secured two high‑profile signings, yet they continue to explore a range of options to ensure they have the depth required for a demanding season across domestic and European competitions. Whether the final choice will be the technically gifted Baleba, the World Cup‑tested Kone, or another talent like Adams or Scott, United’s hierarchy appears determined to make a calculated decision that aligns with both sporting needs and financial prudence.
The summer transfer window remains open, and fans can expect further developments as negotiations progress and the club fine‑tunes its midfield roster.