Man Utd given six-day deadline to complete deal for key transfer target as frustration grows

Manchester United are preparing for their first season under Michael Carrick as their permanent manager, and they have been busy in the market to give him the tools to build on his interim period from the last campaign.

The Red Devils have already made two notable additions to the team with Youri Tielemans joining from Aston Villa, while Andrey Santos joined from Chelsea.

United have been linked to several high-profile targets to help strengthen their midfield after the departure of Casemiro as his contract expired last season, before they lost Manuel Ugarte to a long-term injury.

Aurelien Tchouameni has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the past couple of days as Real Madrid attempts to fund a move for Spain captain Rodri.

However, one club has reportedly given United a six-day deadline to complete the signing of their player in order for them to plan for their upcoming campaign, as they are looking for the funds from the deal.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma would like United to complete the signing of their midfielder and France international Manu Kone, due to the terms of a financial settlement agreement with UEFA.

France's Manu Kone and Aurelien Tchouameni in discussion during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and France (Getty Images)

The report stated: “The club would like to complete a transfer by July 31st to meet the parameters of the settlement agreement, the deadline for which has been extended by UEFA until the end of the month.”

Gazzetta initially revealed that the settlement agreement, which means Roma have to sell one star player this summer to comply with key financial regulations, had been extended by UEFA and the club were hoping to avoid a fine of between €10-15 million.

Mile Svilar and Evan Ndicka were listed as possible departures but it now appears that Roma are set on allowing Kone, who starred for France at the World Cup, to leave.

Corriere reported earlier in the week that Man United and Kone had agreed personal terms and that Roma were looking for a fee of around €60 million, while the English club were seeking a deal worth €50 million.

The Giallorossi are reportedly getting frustrated as they want the deal to be concluded so they can get on with their transfer business, with this sale set to provide much-needed funds.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side may also be concerned about United’s sudden interest in Kone’s French teammate Tchouameni, as should they sign the Real Madrid star, it would almost certainly mean that they would not sign Kone, having already signed a significant number of central midfielders.