Manchester United miss transfer chance as £86m decision made

Manchester United were linked with a move for Roma star Manu Kone during the summer transfer window

Roma have reportedly increased their asking price for midfielder Manu Kone amid reported interest from Manchester United. The Reds were credited with an interest in signing the France international during the summer transfer window as they looked to strengthen their midfield options.

United went into the transfer market for three new midfielders in the summer, with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba all making the move to Old Trafford on permanent deals.

Kone’s future was the subject of intense speculation during the summer transfer window, particularly after the 25-year-old impressed during the World Cup with France.

Chelsea were also credited with an interest in signing Kone in the closing stages of the window, particularly after Enzo Fernandez completed a £125million switch to Manchester City.

A fresh update has emerged on Roma’s stance on Kone’s future just a few weeks after the summer transfer window closed.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma have increased the price tag that they have placed on Kone’s signature, having previously rejected a bid from Chelsea around €60million (£51.6m).

It has now been claimed that the Serie A club would now demand at least €100million (£86million) to consider parting company with Kone in any future transfer window.

It remains to be seen if United, or any other club, will look to try and sign Kone from Roma in January or next summer’s transfer window.

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Chelsea seemingly expressed the strongest interest in trying to sign the midfielder, with Monaco star Lamine Camara also a target on deadline day.

Having signed three midfielders in the summer, United were also looking to bring in a new left-back to compete with Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu before the transfer window closed.

Tyrell Malacia left United as a free agent at the end of last season, and United went on to not sign a replacement, leaving Shaw and Dorgu as the only left-back options in the senior squad until January, at least.

United still have two weeks to wait before returning to Premier League action after the international break, with Tottenham Hotspur their opponents on October 10 at Old Trafford.