Man United open talks for Liverpool-linked midfielder in summer transfer swoop

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Liverpool FC NewsTransfer NewsLiverpool FCLiverpool faces a battle to secure the signing of a linked midfielder transfer target this summer, as Premier League rival Manchester United has held initial talks over a deal.Manchester United and Liverpool looks set to battle it out for a transfer target this summer(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))Liverpool faces a battle to secure a move for transfer-linked midfielder Manu Kone this summer, as L'Equipe reports that Premier League rival Manchester United has opened talks over a deal for the French star.The Reds have been active in the market for potential additions in the central ranks, with the AS Roma midfielder linked with a possible switch to Anfield.Kone was among the standout performers for France at the World Cup this summer, where he made five appearances for the nation on their way to a fourth-placed finish.The 25-year-old's future has been questioned throughout the tournament, as teams look for potential bargains in a midfield market that has been inflated by deals such as Elliot Anderson's move to Manchester City and the duo of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham.Kone could be that possible bargain, as teams swarm a transfer opportunity to land him from AS Roma, but Liverpool has some work to do to get a deal done.The report from L'Equipe states that Man United has opened initial talks for the French midfielder, though discussions are yet to reach a crucial stage that could see him join the Red Devils.The Premier League outfit are in the lead of the race, however, with the report explicitly stating Arsenal as a team targeting a move for Kone, while Liverpool continues to be linked as a destination.It's added that Kone would like a decision to be made over his future in a swift manner, potentially putting pressure on other clubs to make a move before it is too late.Manu Kone impressed for France at the World Cup(Image: Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)The World Cup ace has three years remaining on his deal at Roma, though an exit seems likely this summer, while reports have stated that $68 million could be enough to reach an agreement.It's unclear whether Liverpool will now push to get a deal over the line or not, while the club looks to ramp up the transfer activity now that the summer tournament is over.A midfielder is believed to be on the list of potential additions, but the priority remains a player who will replace Mohamed Salah on the right wing.Bradley Barcola continues to be widely reported as a player of interest to Liverpool, while other recent reports have linked Spain hero Ferran Torres as an option.Beyond that area, a midfielder may be considered, while a right-sided defender could also be on the cards for the Reds if the funds are available.With the transfer market now set to ramp up, Liverpool will be keen to be at the forefront of deals they need to fix key areas for Andoni Iraola's first season in charge.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCManchester United FC