Pranav Nair
Manchester United beaten in the pursuit of Kouadio Kone
According to ESPN, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United have lost out in the race to sign Toulouse starlet Kouadio Kone.
The 19-year-old joined the Ligue 1 side in 2016, eventually going on to make his first-team debut in 2018/19. He has since won 34 appearances for the club scoring two goals. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Currently playing in Ligue 2 following Toulouse’s relegation, Kone has played in all division two games save.
A central midfielder, Kone excels as a box-to-box player. He was linked with a host of top clubs such as United, AC Milan and Leeds United. (h/t ESPN)
It would appear that Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach are set to be the winners in this particular race.
Toulouse are set to accept a bid of €9million, with personal terms also agreed. Milan offered just €5m plus add-ons in comparison. Gladbach’s offer was closer to Toulouse’s €10m asking price. (h/t ESPN)
The player is expected to sign a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Bundesliga side. He will link up at Borussia Park with the likes of other French stars Alasanne Plea and Marcus Thuram.
Playing the long game
United have targeted a number of talented young players from across the world in recent windows. Uruguayan starlet Facundo Pellistri joined the club in the summer while Amad Diallo completed his move yesterday.
While Kone could join the club in the future, his next step appears to be Germany. The 19-year-old has also been likened to United superstar Paul Pogba.
The World Cup winning Frenchman is nearing the end of his time at United and could leave as early as next summer. (h/t Sky Sports)
More Manchester United News
- Aston Villa will not entertain bids in January for Manchester United target Jack Grealish
- Donny van de Beek told to hold crunch talks with Manchester United
- Manchester United star Marcos Rojo agrees a two year deal with Argentine giants Boca Juniors
It would appear that United are targeting the stars for tomorrow. While it is unlikely that all of them can reach the required level, there are a few gems among our recent recruits. Whether a follow up to the class of 92 is on the cards remains to be seen.
