← All stories
Manchester United shift focus away from Koné to pursue Brighton's Baleba
·19 August 2026·2d ago

Manchester United shift focus away from Koné to pursue Brighton's Baleba

Source: Forza Roma

Manchester United have abandoned their pursuit of Manu Koné and are instead close to completing a deal for Brighton midfielder Baleba. The Red Devils have tabled an offer of £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons, with Baleba having already agreed personal terms. Brighton have not yet fully accepted the bid, but negotiations between the clubs are ongoing.

Koné, who joined Roma on loan with an obligation to buy from Borussia Mönchengladbach for €18 million in August 2024, now appears set to remain at Trigoria. The only official offer to reach the French midfielder came from Atlético Madrid last June for €43 million, which he rejected. Chelsea have also made contact but have so far only conducted an initial approach.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Story Coverage2 sources on this story

Manchester United's transfer plans involving Roma midfielder Manu Koné remain in flux according to Italian reports. Forza Roma outlets offer conflicting accounts: one claims United have shifted their focus entirely away from Koné toward Brighton's Baleba, tabling a £60 million plus £5 million add-ons offer. However, another Forza Roma report states United are preparing a fresh bid for Koné in the coming days as frontrunners to meet Roma's valuation demands. The outlets agree that Roma have set a firm asking price exceeding €50 million, having rejected Atlético Madrid's €35 million bid last June. Koné, who arrived on loan with an obligation to buy from Borussia Mönchengladbach for €18 million in August 2024, is understood to be content at Roma and would only consider leaving for an exceptional opportunity such as Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea have also made initial contact but have not submitted a formal offer.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

Nessuna offerta in arrivo per Koné da parte del Manchester United. Secondo quanto riportato da The Athletic i Red Devils sono ad un passo dal chiudere la trattativa col Brighton per Baleba. Messi sul piatto 60 milioni di sterline più 5 di bonus per il centrocampista che ha già detto sì al…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma

More Transfer News

Summerville's Penalty Miss at Al-Hilal Draws Sympathetic Ribbing From Roma Fans
Transfer News AI
2h ago

Summerville's Penalty Miss at Al-Hilal Draws Sympathetic Ribbing From Roma Fans

Crysencio Summerville endured a difficult start at Al-Hilal after missing a penalty with a chip that sailed high. The Dutch winger, who was closely tracked by Roma during the summer transfer window before accepting the Saudi Pro League offer, saw his error circulate widely on social media despite the goal not costing his team the three points under manager Simone Inzaghi. Roma supporters have largely moved past Summerville's decision to reject the club, with fans taking to social media to mock the miss. Among those sharing commentary was Damiano David, the well-known Roma supporter and musician, who posted: "Quanto ce dispiace" (roughly "how much that hurts us"). The incident appears to have helped the Giallorossi fanbase digest the Dutchman's refusal of their advances.

Neom target Ziółkowski as Roma demand €20m
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
3h ago

Neom target Ziółkowski as Roma demand €20m

Jan Ziółkowski has attracted interest from Saudi Arabian club Neom, with Roma valuing the centre-back at approximately €20 million. The Polish defender found limited playing time last season and has not fully convinced head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, prompting the Giallorossi to consider offers for him. Several clubs from Saudi Arabia have already expressed interest in the 2005-born player. Gasperini would prefer to retain Ziółkowski over Daniele Ghilardi, but the Polish defender has a stronger market appeal due to his age, room for growth, and current involvement with the Polish national team. Roma's €20 million valuation also reflects a 10 per cent sell-on clause owed to Legia Warszawa from any future sale. Should Ziółkowski depart, Roma would be forced to pursue another central defender, likely targeting a loan arrangement with an option to buy rather than a permanent signing.

Bynoe-Gittens back in focus for Roma, but loan deal required
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
4h ago

Bynoe-Gittens back in focus for Roma, but loan deal required

Roma's transfer window has entered its most intense phase as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini seeks two additional reinforcements to complete his squad: another full-back and a left winger. The club is working on deals for Luis Henrique and Fofana, but negotiations remain complicated. With Luis Henrique requiring agreement to be reached with Inter over the formula and the player himself, and the Fofana operation from Lyon deemed excessively costly and stalled, Roma is now considering loan options to bolster those positions. Chelsea winger Bynoe-Gittens has re-emerged as a target. The left-winger had a disappointing 2025–26 season in the Premier League after Chelsea paid 60 million euros to sign him from Borussia Dortmund. Roma could only bring him to the club on a temporary basis, potentially with an option to buy, rather than a permanent transfer.

Feedback