Roma and France midfielder Manu Kone is a transfer target for Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are on the verge of making more signings – with some deals potentially set to finalised this week as we move into August. It is a pivotal summer for United as they seek to capitalise on the momentum generated under Michael Carrick during the latter half of last season. With Champions League football returning to Old Trafford in 2026-27, Carrick requires a stronger, more robust squad than the one he finished last season with.
United must also offload players, either on a permanent basis or via loan deals. They have already bolstered the core of their squad with the arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, but at least one more midfielder is expected to arrive. Clubs are also racing to balance their books before July ends to comply with financial fair play regulations. Express Sport looks at five deals United could get done this week…
United are understood to have agreed personal terms with the Roma midfielder, who carries a valuation of approximately £50million. Corriere dello Sport reported over the weekend that United had yet to table a formal offer and are ‘moving slowly’ regarding the signing.
This is said to be causing frustration for Roma, who are keen for the transfer to be concluded this month in order to avoid receiving a substantial UEFA fine.
They hold a settlement agreement with the governing body stipulating that their losses must not surpass £51.25m, but have until 31st July to demonstrate they have remained within financial boundaries. As a result, they will be pushing hard for a deal to be finalised within days.
Having made a strong impression on loan at Bristol City last season, the Czech goalkeeper will be on the move once more this summer.
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With the path to becoming United’s first-choice seemingly blocked following Karl Darlow’s arrival as principal back-up to Senne Lammens, Vitek could leave on a permanent basis.
A return to the Championship appears likely, with Middlesbrough amongst the clubs reported to have an interest in the 22-year-old. With the Championship campaign kicking off in under three weeks, they may be eager to wrap up a deal sooner rather than later.
The Dutch forward appears to have little future at Old Trafford. It is clear Carrick holds reservations about the 25-year-old, though United can likely abandon hope of recovering the £36.5m they paid Bologna in 2024.
A move back to Italy seems probable, with Juventus reportedly in the running.
Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee could both leave Man Utd this week (Image: Getty)
Another player without a future at the club, Bayindir has been granted extended post-World Cup leave to facilitate his exit. The Turkey goalkeeper, who did not feature at the World Cup, has been linked with a return to his native country with Besiktas.
Bayindir has not featured for United since his costly error in the 3-1 defeat at Brentford back in September. During his 17 starts, the side lost seven matches, shipping 31 goals in the process.
Few would expect the seemingly interminable Rashford saga to reach its conclusion this week but that doesn’t make it impossible. The striker finds himself at a crossroads after Barcelona opted against making his loan move permanent.
United are keen to remove him from the wage bill, yet remain unwilling to sell to a direct competitor.
As things stand, Rashford is set to rejoin the United squad in August, unless another club decides to take a chance on the unpredictable forward before that point.
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