Carlos Baleba requests Man Utd transfer as Kone ‘agreement reached’ | Football | Sport

Manchester United are looking to snap up another midfield acquisition for Michael Carrick. Following a comprehensive 5-0 pre-season victory over Norwegian side Rosenborg, the Red Devils are once more focusing on their summer recruitment. United are next in action against Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid this Saturday.

Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow have all already been brought in to strengthen Carrick’s squad for a campaign across all four competitions next season. United are back in the Champions League and aiming to improve further in the Premier League and domestic cup tournaments. Yet further additions are necessary – especially in midfield, where it appears United are honing in on players. Express Sport brings you all the latest news from Old Trafford…

Manu Kone has reportedly reached agreement on personal terms to switch to Old Trafford. Corriere dello Sport claims the Roma midfielder is determined to join United with a transfer fee yet to be sorted out.

It is understood that United are holding talks with Roma and plan to submit an offer of around £42.7million. Real Madrid withdrew from the race for Kone after seeing their £34.1m proposal for the 25-year-old rejected.

Saudi club Al-Ahli and Chelsea are also interested and Kone’s valuation could rise to £51.2m if a bidding war emerges. The 6ft 1in star, who started his career at Toulouse before flourishing at Borussia Monchengladbach, has earned 19 caps for France.

Carlos Baleba remains determined to secure a transfer to Manchester United after his £100m valuation scuppered a potential switch last summer. Baleba’s representatives have reportedly made fresh contact with United to investigate a possible move to Old Trafford.

Fabrizio Romano says the 22-year-old’s camp have reached out to United and the player is enthusiastic about him working under Carrick.

The Brighton midfielder was pushing for a departure last year, considering United as his preferred choice. The Seagulls’ £100m demands, however, halted any prospective deal.

However, with Baleba’s price tag now lowered to around £70m, he could become a realistic target for United following this significant reduction in his valuation. The Cameroonian central or defensive midfielder has netted three goals in 92 outings for Brighton.