Aston Villa target Manu Kone and Summerville to hijack two Manchester United deals

Aston Villa are moving to sign Manchester United targets Manu Kone and Crysencio Summerville, potentially disrupting Ruben Amorim’s recruitment plans in two key positions, according to Italian outlet Sports Media Set. The reported interest comes days after Villa lost Youri Tielemans to United, whose £35 million release clause was activated with 12 months remaining on his contract.

Kone, currently at AS Roma, is understood to be Villa’s primary target to replace Tielemans in central midfield. United remain favourites to land the France international, who is expected to leave Serie A this summer, but Villa’s interest adds a credible rival into the equation. Summerville, a wide forward linked with Roma, is also said to be of keen interest to Villa Park, though United’s pursuit of the West Ham and Netherlands winger is conditional — reports from The Guardian suggest they will only make a formal approach if Marcus Rashford departs.

Rashford is currently on a post-World Cup break following England’s participation in the tournament and is expected to report to Carrington for pre-season thereafter. Kone, who played a prominent role in France’s campaign and faces Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo in Saturday’s third-place play-off, will also require time away before returning to club football.

Villa have already moved decisively in the transfer market this summer. Unai Emery’s side agreed a deal for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes after his proposed move to Atletico Madrid collapsed, and are in talks to bring in Joao Palhinha on loan. The club also hijacked Newcastle’s move for Swiss winger Johan Manzambi, who impressed during the World Cup.

The urgency to strengthen in midfield has been compounded by Amadou Onana’s ACL injury, which leaves Emery short of options in the engine room heading into a season that includes European football after their Europa League triumph.

United, meanwhile, have confirmed the arrivals of Andrey Santos and goalkeeper Karl Darlow alongside Tielemans, but still require a midfielder and a left winger — the two positions in which Villa are now competing with them for the same targets.