Liverpool and Manchester United vie for Roma’s World Cup star

Liverpool and Manchester United are locked in a race for Roma midfielder Manu Koné, 25‑year‑old Frenchman has emerged as a World Cup star, helping France reach a second semi‑final and vowing to avoid past mistakes. Atlético Madrid had been in pursuit, but Roma’s need to generate €50 million in capital gains before July 1 pushed the club to target a €40‑45 million deal. The Giallorossi remain firm, citing the player’s importance to Gian Piero Gasperini’s project. UEFA granted clubs a deadline extension because of the World Cup, giving Roma leeway to hold out for a higher fee. Standing firm has paid dividends, and the club now values Koné at €60 million, a figure that could rise further.

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Koné’s contract at Roma carries a gross annual salary of €5.19 million and runs until June 2029. The Frenchman’s rising price and contract length make a move to Atlético Madrid increasingly unlikely. Manchester United recently secured Andrey Santos from Chelsea and are close to completing Youri Tielemans’ arrival, which may cause them to blink first. The Reds, based at Anfield, have been crying for a stronger centre‑midfield presence and could take a punt on the Frenchman. Both English clubs are weighing the option carefully, with the Man side eyeing the midfielder while Liverpool, the Reds, prepare for a Premier League campaign that could see Koné in a red shirt.