Roma expect to receive a €53 million offer from Manchester United for midfielder Manu Koné, according to Rio Ferdinand. The club is not denying the likely departure of the French midfielder, who will first play the third-place playoff for England before considering his options with his representatives. Though a move to Paris Saint-Germain remains his preference, a Premier League offer would be difficult to refuse. For Roma, selling Koné is necessary to generate a substantial profit of around €40 million and resolve their UEFA dispute. With difficulties surrounding moves for Matías Soulé and Wesley, and a wall around Radosław Żelezny, Koné represents the only realistic path to that figure.
Roma's coaching staff is already compiling replacement options. Celtic's Engels, 22, stands out as a primary target. At 1.85 metres tall with excellent technical ability, he offers significant dynamism, game vision, and strong insertion runs. His cost is estimated at €20–25 million. Danilo Santos of Botafogo is valued at €30–35 million and shares more tactical similarities with Koné—standing 177 cm and weighing 70 kg, he compensates for a lean frame with ball-recovery abilities, smart distribution, and clean passing.
Other names under consideration include Camara of Monaco, priced at €40 million after a strong Ligue 1 campaign, and Varela of Porto. Both represent higher investment priorities for other areas of the pitch at present.
Testo Originale / Source Text
“Rio Ferdinand è sicuro: "Koné andrà al Manchester United per 53 milioni". A Trigoria frenano, ma nessuno se la sente di smentire la probabile cessione del francese chiamato a giocare la finale per il 3° posto con l'Inghilterra prima di godersi le vacanze. In quei giorni vaglierà le possibilità…”
Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.