Manchester United Weigh Up Manu Koné and Carlos Baleba as Midfield Rebuild Continues
Manchester United are reportedly considering Roma's Manu Koné and Brighton's Carlos Baleba as the club continues its search for another midfielder during an active summer rebuild under Michael Carrick.****
Manchester United's summer recruitment drive is showing no signs of slowing down, with the club reportedly continuing its search for another midfield addition ahead of the new campaign.
According to Sky Sports News, Roma midfielder Manu Koné and Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba have emerged as two of the strongest candidates under consideration as United assess options for what could become their third midfield signing of the transfer window.
While discussions remain at an exploratory stage, the report suggests both players are firmly on the club's shortlist as United evaluate how best to strengthen the heart of the squad before the transfer deadline.
No agreement has been reached with either club, and there has been no official confirmation from Manchester United regarding a move for either player.
Midfield remains a priority
United have already invested in reshaping their squad this summer, but the search for additional quality in midfield appears to remain a key objective.
The club's recruitment team is understood to be exploring players capable of adding athleticism, defensive stability and progressive ball-carrying ability—qualities associated with both Koné and Baleba.
Koné has continued to develop since moving to Serie A, establishing himself as one of Roma's energetic midfielders through his ability to recover possession and drive the ball through central areas.
Baleba, meanwhile, has attracted widespread praise since adapting to Premier League football at Brighton. The Cameroon international has been viewed as one of the league's most promising young midfielders thanks to his physical presence, composure in possession and defensive work rate.
Neither player's inclusion on United's shortlist guarantees that negotiations will follow, but it highlights the club's intention to continue strengthening one of the most important areas of the pitch.
Competition likely if United proceed
Any move for either midfielder would be expected to require significant negotiations.
Baleba remains under a long-term contract at Brighton, a club known for resisting approaches unless their valuation is met. Brighton have consistently demonstrated their willingness to retain key players unless presented with offers they consider appropriate.
Roma are also unlikely to part with Koné without careful consideration, meaning United would need to decide whether to progress from monitoring to formal discussions.
At this stage, Sky Sports News reports only that both players are being strongly considered rather than negotiations having advanced.
What it could mean for Manchester United
If United do move for another midfielder, it would further underline the club's commitment to refreshing the squad under Michael Carrick.
Modern Premier League football increasingly demands midfielders capable of contributing in every phase of play—from pressing aggressively without possession to progressing attacks through passing and ball carrying.
Both Koné and Baleba fit that profile, although each offers different qualities and comes from contrasting football environments.
The coming weeks are therefore likely to determine whether United's interest develops into formal bids or whether attention shifts elsewhere in the market.
For now, both names remain firmly in the conversation as United continue evaluating how best to complete their midfield rebuild before the window closes.
