Manchester United have made contact with Borussia Monchengladbach over a move for midfielder Kouadio Kone.
The Lowdown: Kone profiled
Kone, described as an 'interesting box-to-box' midfielder, signed for Monchengladbach last year in a deal worth £8.1m. The 21-year-old is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in a defensive or attacking midfield role.
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He’s valued at a career-high £13.5m by Transfermarkt and was a regular in the Bundesliga last season, making 27 appearances.
The Latest: United links
Sports Witness relayed an update from L’Equipe on Friday regarding Kone. They claim that United are one of three top clubs who have made ‘initial contact’ over a move for Kone.
The report adds that Ralf Rangnick has been tracking Kone for several years.
The Verdict: De Jong alternative?
Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his midfield ranks at Old Trafford, with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong seemingly a top target.
Recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils reached an agreement with Barcelona for De Jong, however, the midfielder is thought to be unconvinced over a move to United and has snubbed a reunion with Ten Hag.
Should that be the case, then Kone could well emerge as an alternative midfield target, and you’d like to think a move for the Frenchman would be a lot cheaper, which could help the club in their attempts to sign striker Darwin Nunez from Benfica.
In other news: Reliable journalist leaks Man Utd talks as Ten Hag now eyes 'terrific' Englishman.