AS Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini has been speaking about the future of a player Manchester United are said to be interested in. United have been stepping things up over the last week or two, kicking on with their business after deciding to cancel the Ederson deal that was agreed even before the World Cup.

Michael Carrick was clear that he wanted to significantly improve the midfield, especially after losing Casemiro, and the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans will certainly aid that. But United could yet sign another midfielder this summer, and if they do, France and Roma star Manu Koné is said to be a candidate.

Gasperini drops Koné exit hint

Roma boss Gasperini has been speaking to the Italian media, and he spoke about the future of Koné, who is attracting transfer attention having impressed in the France midfield. He said: “Unlike Malen, he was sidelined for a while due to injury and arrived at the World Cup in better shape. Last year he hadn’t played for France yet, and he managed to earn a starting spot, which shows his true worth.

“His future? I think these Financial Fair Play conditions are never so precise and defined; they vary from team to team. Roma also needs to balance the books, which have been burdensome in recent years. I hoped that returning to the Champions League would be enough, but it’s clear that financial statements are crucial for clubs. I believe there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.”

Asked about this summer’s business, Gasperini added: “The Friedkins (Roma owners) will arrive in the next few hours, and their presence will be crucial. The transfer market is all about speed and immediate responses, as was the case in January. Their presence is certainly crucial. We hope to strengthen this team and respond to the enthusiasm of a city that has sold so many season tickets in just a few hours.”

Koné is expected to cost around £50million this summer.

Koné could fill a Man Utd gap

via Reuters

United could yet add a third midfielder this summer, with Carrick likely feeling as though he and the club are yet to replace the presence of Casemiro, who left at the end of his contract. Santos is a player who can play anywhere in the midfield but lacks experience, while Tielemans has all the experience and can control the rhythm of the whole game with the ball at his feet, but he lacks a defensive presence. Koné is a dynamic midfielder like Santos, able to play forward and back, but his busy approach lends itself well to breaking up attacks and playing that defensive role United may feel they need to improve. Patrick Vieira has even described him as the “best player in France” during World Cup coverage on ITV.

Lionel Messi doesn’t often give his opinion on football matters, but when he does, everyone sits up and listens. That was the case when the greatest player of all time tipped an English youngster for stardom.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has played with and against some of the biggest stars of the past two decades. His eye for talent is likely to be just as flawless as his vision on the pitch.

In the past, he has labelled Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard as ‘England’s greatest-ever player’, while also being full of praise for Manchester United great Wayne Rooney. But there’s one Three Lions player Messi might have been wrong about.

Lionel Messi Picked Out England’s Future

Credit: Jerome Miron (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

The 39-year-old has been one of the best players at the 2026 World Cup, still producing for his country at the highest level. The same can’t be said for everyone, however.

While Messi is chasing Golden Boots and World Cup trophies, many high-profile players have had an entire summer off. One of those players is England international Mason Mount.

Despite earning 36 caps for the Three Lions, the Manchester United midfielder hasn’t been seen in the famous white shirt since the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against France. Each of the ex-Chelsea man’s appearances for England came under Gareth Southgate.

But his chances of forcing his way back in under Thomas Tuchel appear slim at best. His game time at Man Utd in recent years has been limited due to several injury issues. Before that, however, Messi was incredibly impressed by the attacking midfielder.

“Having watched him play, he has the potential to be one of the best,” said the greatest footballer of all time in 2020 (per The Sun).

Messi Praised 3 More England Outcasts

Six years after that bold prediction, and Mount is out in the cold for England. But he’s not the only English youngster Messi praised that day. In fact, the other three players he mentioned among his picks for youngsters to watch have also watched the World Cup from home.

Phil Foden was one of the surprise omissions from Tuchel’s 26-man squad, having won six Premier League titles and many other trophies at Manchester City. Messi lauded him as a ‘huge talent’ and claimed he’d ‘do amazing things in the game’.

At the time, Trent Alexander-Arnold was one of the most exciting footballers on the planet, which Messi saw first-hand in that Champions League semi-final. The full-back was described as ‘impressive going forward’.

One man who has fallen off the radar for many people is Jadon Sancho. The winger impressed Messi with his dribbling ability, but has never been a regular in an England shirt. Messi said: “[Sancho’s] ability to dribble past defenders is impressive.”

Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 14-07-26.

Manchester United are said to have enquired about a third midfield signing as they continue to ramp up their summer business. The Red Devils are close to announcing a £36million deal for Youri Tielemans, who will join from Aston Villa after his release clause was met.

That signing follows the £50million capture of Andrey Santos, adding much-needed strength and depth to the midfield, but there could yet be more.

While United are now likely to focus on other areas, with the defence in need of strengthening, while a winger signing could be sourced this summer, Michael Carrick may well add one more to the midfield.

Man Utd make enquiry over Oulai

According to journalist Nicolo Ceccarini, United have submitted an enquiry to Turkish club Trabzonspor over Christ Inao Oulai. It’s claimed the enquiry was only ‘gathering information’ at this stage, with the Red Devils likely just finding out how much a deal would cost.

Carrick may well want a third midfielder this summer, but with £86million already spent on two midfielders, it’s likely the third midfielder would likely be another affordable option worth less than £50million, rather than a marquee midfield signing.

Oulai is likely to fit into that bracket, only 20 years of age and likely to cost around £29.8million, according to recent reports. The Ivory Coast World Cup star is under contract until 2030, so there is no pressure for Trabzonspor to sell. Everton have also been linked with the midfielder this summer.

Oulai has other preferences

The bad news is that Oulai has a transfer preference, and it is not the Premier League. He said earlier this year: “Some people find it strange, but I like Ligue 1. I’m not attracted to the Premier League. I like Ligue 1!” he said with a smile, before naming his dream club. A club that makes me dream today? PSG. I like them. This new PSG plays really well.”

Former striker Roger Boli has previously said of Oulai’s talent: “He’s a young player with a high work rate, very active. He knows how to work hard and bring energy to his team. He’s like a great motivator, someone who brings a lot of energy. In short, he’s a very good player.”

Oulai also impressed at the African Cup of Nations, as well as the World Cup, and his form compared with his age makes him an inevitable target for Premier League clubs, even if he prefers a move elsewhere.