Manchester United are working on revamping their midfield this summer and are closing in on signing Chelsea’s Andrey Santos.
The Premier League side made advances to sign the Brazilian, after agreeing a deal with Atalanta for Éderson in June.
Éderson’s late call-up for Brazil delayed his move to Manchester United. His final medical on Friday was key for the Red Devils to sign him.
Manchester United identify Éderson alternative
Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims the 27-year-old completed the tests, and the Red Devils have decided not to go ahead.
The English club have relayed their decision to Atalanta. Several others in Italy and elsewhere are also reporting Éderson won’t arrive at the club
Michael Carrick’s side are looking at another midfielder from Serie A; AS Roma’s Manu Koné.
On Friday, Sport Witness gave a timeline from December, about Manchester United’s interest in Koné.
At that time, the Italian media backed him to move to Old Trafford.
Saturday’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport claims the France international is attracting interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United.
The Red Devils have contacted his agents in recent hours and are expected to make an offer to Roma. Gazzetta claim the Italian club won’t accept offers below €50m.
Excellence Sport Nation, who manage Koné, represent other players including Bryan Mbeumo and Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Manchester United ready to advance
Sport Mediaset are also reporting that Manchester United are ready to offer €50m for the AS Roma player.
Another newspaper, Corriere dello Sport relays claims made elsewhere about the Premier League side’s interest, and provides more updates.
After abandoning Éderson, the Old Trafford club are now focusing on the 25-year-old, ‘considered perfect for the Premier League’. They are ‘keen to make a strong bid’, while the Giallorossi warn his suitors that €50m won’t be enough.
Manu Koné has made four World Cup appearances and is now preparing for the semi-final against Spain.
Manu Koné transfer situation
- Italian report from December backed Manchester United move
- Red Devils focus on Kone after ruling out Éderson
- Contact Frenchman’s agent in last few hours
- Roma want €50m+
- Player now focusing on World Cup
🇧🇷 João Gomes | From Brazil: Manchester United move for midfielder after Éderson collapse ➡️ Liverpool also make contacthttps://t.co/lzym2tzQIO #mufc #lfc #wwfc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 11, 2026
