Man Utd make approach to sign World Cup star despite agreement with Arsenal

Carrick leading United’s midfield rebuild this summer (Picture: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United

have made an approach to sign France midfielder Manu Kone.

The AS Roma star has started Les Bleus’ last two matches at the

World Cup

with Aurelien Tchouameni missing out with a thigh injury.

Kone was outstanding in midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot as

Didier Deschamps’ side eased past Morocco on Thursday night

, setting up a semi-final showdown against Spain or Belgium.

Arsenal

are also interested in signing the former

Toulouse

youngster with

Mikel Arteta

eager to add to his midfield options this summer.

Reports in

Italy

have even claimed

the Gunners have agreed personal terms with the midfielder

but their focus now appears to have shifted to

Newcastle United

’s Bruno Guimaraes

with talks underway to sign the Brazil international.

While United are close to signing two other midfielders in Ederson and

Andrey Santos

, reports also suggest Kone is a target.

La Repubblica

report Michael Carrick’s side have made an approach in the last few hours, regarding him as an alternative target to Tchouameni who is now expected to sign a new contract with Real Madrid.

Kone has impressed at the World Cup (Picture: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Roma value Kone at a modest €50million (£42.5m).

Kone’s performances at the World Cup have enhanced his reputation with Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira already a huge admirer,

believing his skillset is better than that of Tchouameni.

‘He has come into the World Cup with a couple of injuries and it has been a quite difficult season for him,’ Vieira told ITV ahead of France’s game against Norway.

‘But he is for me, the best midfielder in France today. I would put him ahead of Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot because he has got this mobility to move around the pitch.

United were keen on Tchouameni (Picture: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

‘He is aggressive, he is a ball winner and he has got this technical ability to be part of the build-up. He can break lines and play forward.’

United are seeking to rebuild their midfield this summer and want to sign at least two midfielders – possibly three with Manuel Ugarte now facing a spell on the sidelines.

The club are close to wrapping up a £50million deal for Andrey Santos,moving quickly to sign the Chelsea star this week. He is expected to undergo a medical today.

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