A name to follow that may not be among the brightest ones is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manu-kone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manu Koné</a>, who plays as a defensive midfielder for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/roma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roma</a> but is currently linked to some huge clubs like <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-united/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester United</a> as he enjoys a vacation after the good World Cup he completed with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/france/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">France</a>.



Manchester United are interested in signing Koné from Roma, with Corriere dello Sport reporting that the club and the midfielder have already reached an agreement on personal terms, even if negotiations between the clubs have not yet involved a formal offer.



United are considered the team currently closest to signing Koné, with the English club potentially able to pay around €50 million for the defensive midfielder. However, Roma are hoping to create a bidding war that could push the price even higher.



<h2>Chelsea interested in Koné</h2>



The agreement between Manchester United and Koné could give the Premier League club an advantage in the race, but the transfer still depends on reaching an agreement with Roma, which could be a bit more complicated with all the teams that want him.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/23202311/kone-1-1-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-668310"><figcaption>Roma may sell the midfielder (Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



While the Italian club is waiting for the first formal move from United, Roma could demand a higher fee if more clubs enter the race for the France international, including clubs from the Saudi Arabian market like Al-Ahli that are also after the midfielder.


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This may not be the only option for Koné if he wants to remain in the most important competition, with a direct rival of Manchester United also ready to get him. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/chelsea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chelsea</a> are also interested and could potentially pay €60 million.



<h2>Atlético Madrid’s offer</h2>



The Premier League clubs aren’t the only teams of importance following Koné, as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/atletico-madrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlético Madrid</a> had already made an offer. The Spanish club may still have the midfielder as a target, but they could also be looking elsewhere after their €40 million proposal was quickly rejected by Roma.

Manchester United agree personal terms with Manu Koné as Roma await first offer

Manchester United agree personal terms with Manu Koné as Roma await first offer - World Soccer Talk

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With the third-place match of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2026 World Cup</a> ending the competition for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/france/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">France</a>, there were some modifications made as Aurélien Tchouaméni and Manu Koné are not in the starting lineup against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/england/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">England</a>.



The reason both midfielders aren’t starting is because <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/didier-deschamps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Didier Deschamps</a> made a technical decision to give minutes to the youngest player on the team, Warren Zaïre-Emery, who is 20 years old. The midfielder had only played against Morocco in the competition, entering as a substitute in the 80th minute.



This midfield was completed by Adrien Rabiot, who could be playing his last World Cup with France. The midfielder has been very important for the team in the competition, starting six matches and being rested against Norway. He played every full match except against Spain, where he was substituted at halftime.

Why aren’t Aurélien Tchouaméni and Manu Koné starting for France against England at the 2026 World Cup?

Why aren't Aurélien Tchouaméni and Manu Koné starting for France against England at the 2026 World Cup? - World Soccer Talk

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Manchester United agree personal terms with Manu Koné as Roma await first offer

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Why aren’t Aurélien Tchouaméni and Manu Koné starting for France against England at the 2026 World Cup?