---
title: "Ben Jacobs confirms Manchester United interest in Manu Kone"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/07/24/ben-jacobs-confirms-manchester-united-interest-in-manu-kone/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Man Utd News"
published: "2026-07-24T13:40:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T20:09:01Z"
---

# Ben Jacobs confirms Manchester United interest in Manu Kone

**Manchester United have placed Roma midfielder Manu Koné high on their shortlist as Michael Carrick searches for another midfield signing.**

The transfer of Kone to Manchester remains realistic after reports claimed personal terms had been agreed, although no deal with Roma has been completed.

[Football365 reports](https://www.football365.com/news/man-utd-jacobs-ranks-five-tranfers-kone-agreement) that United are assessing Koné alongside Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba, Tyler Adams and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Ben Jacobs said Koné was “definitely high” in the club’s thinking during an appearance on The United Stand.

> 🚨 RANKING UNITED'S MIDFIELD TARGETS! 👀 [#mufc](https://x.com/hashtag/mufc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#transfers](https://x.com/hashtag/transfers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)\
> \
> With United looking to bring in a third midfielder, Beth asked Ben Jacobs to rank them in order of how highly United regard them. Who do you think should be the third midfield buy?! 🤨 [pic.twitter.com/AyN1EociRd](https://t.co/AyN1EociRd)
>
> — The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) [July 23, 2026](https://x.com/UnitedStandMUFC/status/2080303799076278662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Manu Kone to Manchester United remains realistic

United have already added Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to Carrick’s midfield. However, the club still want another player who can provide greater athleticism and defensive coverage.

Koné fits that profile through his ability to carry possession, cover ground and compete physically. United have previously contacted his representatives, although Roma have not received a confirmed offer from Old Trafford.

Jacobs also described Scott as a high-priority option but acknowledged Bournemouth’s asking price remains a problem. United contacted the south-coast club before Chelsea submitted their own offer, but they have not formally entered the race.

Adams sits lower on the shortlist, while Baleba has not been ruled out. Tchouaméni would be near the top of United’s preferred options, but his expected new Real Madrid contract makes a summer move unlikely.

ReadManUtd’s [complete Manchester United transfer tracker](https://readmanutd.com/2026/07/21/manchester-united-transfer-news-every-signing-exit-and-target/) recently identified Koné as one of the leading candidates to complete Carrick’s midfield rebuild. Roma are expected to demand more than €50million before considering a sale.

A Manu Kone to Manchester United deal still requires direct negotiations between the clubs. His position on United’s shortlist is clear, but the club must now decide whether to follow their interest with a formal bid.