Kone asks agent to pause United transfer talks until World Cup bronze final is over

Manu Kone has requested that his agent suspend transfer discussions until France’s World Cup campaign concludes with Saturday’s third-place play-off against England, delaying what could be a significant move to Manchester United.

The 25-year-old Roma midfielder is understood to have been approached by United’s representatives, with Italian outlets Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport both reporting that formal offers from United and Chelsea are expected within days. Corriere dello Sport names United as the frontrunners, with the player said to be willing to sign for the club.

Kone is represented by Excellence Sport Nation (ESN), the same agency that handles Bryan Mbeumo, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jules Kounde, and Mike Maignan. Chelsea are also credited with an interest, having reportedly made contact with Roma during separate discussions over Alejandro Garnacho.

Roma are seeking approximately £47 million for the midfielder — a fee that would generate around £34 million in profit for the Serie A club. That figure carries added significance given UEFA fined Roma £5 million earlier this summer for breaching financial settlement targets and exceeding a squad cost ratio of 70%. Selling Kone at the reported asking price would, according to reports, resolve the club’s outstanding dispute with UEFA.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged the club’s financial constraints in a recent interview. “It’s undeniable that Roma know that we have to balance the budgets, which has been tough in recent years,” he told Radio Rai 1. “I think there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.”

Gasperini also spoke warmly of Kone’s development. “He had a great first half of the season, and then was out of action due to injury for a bit during the second half. He’s having a great World Cup. He didn’t play with the France national team last year, but now he’s been able to claim a starting spot. It shows his potential.”

While Kone’s preferred destination is reported to be Paris Saint-Germain, a move to the Champions League holders appears unlikely, leaving United well positioned. The player’s World Cup ends on Saturday — the same day Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford’s tournament concludes — with a decision on his future expected shortly after.