Man Utd have contacted World Cup star's agent in recent hours as £42m offer ready

Manchester United are in the process of building a squad capable of competing in both the Premier League and the Champions League, and they now reportedly have a World Cup star in their sights.

New permanent head coach Michael Carrick led the side to a third-place finish in the league as an interim last season, something he will want to build upon this upcoming season.

Midfield is an area they will need to strengthen as one of Carrick’s key men, Casemiro, has left the club on a free transfer this summer.

While Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury during Uruguay's 2026 World Cup group-stage match against Spain and is set to be on the sidelines for a sustained period as he recovers.

It appeared that United had been about to sign his replacement in the shape of another Brazilian, Ederson from Atalanta.

However, journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed the 27-year-old completed the tests, and the Red Devils have decided not to go ahead.

Manu Kone has earned praise from Thierry Henry (Credit:Getty)

Now, it is being reported by Gazzetta dello Sport that Roma’s Manu Kone, who has impressed for France at the World Cup.

The midfielder has made four appearances at the tournament so far and is in line to be part of the team that faces Spain in the semi-final as Les Bleus continue their hunt for a third World Cup.

Man United are not the only club interested in the 25-year-old, as reports state that Arsenal and Newcastle United are also monitoring the player.

The Italian outlet has also suggested that Roma will not accept any offers worth less than €50m, which is equivalent to £42m.

Yet, it is the Red Devils that have reportedly, according to Sport Mediaset, made contact with Excellence Sport Nation, who manage Kone, an agency that represents a player already at the English club, Bryan Mbeumo.

It was reported earlier this week that United held an interest in Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who is also with France at the World Cup.

But the 26-year-old is now expected to sign a new contract at the Bernabeu following the appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager.

According to ESPN, Real have agreed a new long-term deal with the midfielder until 2031 after he held positive conversations with Mourinho.

The outcome of those talks allowed both parties to agree to a renewal, and a Premier League move for the Frenchman appears to be off for at least the time being.