Manu Kone transfer latest as Liverpool still in contention despite Man Utd 'agreement'

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Manu Kone is attracting plenty of interest after his performances for France at the World Cup, with Liverpool said to be in the running despite claims Manchester United has already agreed a dealManu Kone has been linked with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool is still in the running to sign Manu Kone this summer, according to reports in Italy, despite suggestions that Manchester United already has an agreement in place.Kone has been attracting interest after starring with France at the World Cup, with the 2018 champions set to battle it out in Saturday’s third-place play-off against England after falling to Spain in the semi-finals.The 25-year-old has started four of his country’s games, including the knockout wins over Paraguay and Morocco, and is being touted for a move to the Premier League this summer, with Liverpool among those being rumored to be interested.The Reds have been linked with Kone previously, having been touted as a possible destination when he was at Borussia Monchengladbach, and with the midfield having proved to be an issue last season, they could be in the market for a new option in the center of the park.Liverpool’s biggest rival though is claimed to have stolen a march on it, with Rio Ferdinand taking to his YouTube channel to suggest that his former club has reached an agreement to sign Kone."Fabrizio Romano just confirmed that Man Utd have agreed a £45 million ($61M) fee for Kone from Roma, the French international midfielder,” Ferdinand said.Manu Kone is attracting interest from the Premier League this summerThe update comes after Romano himself recently claimed that United has held talks with Kone’s representatives, although he didn’t seem to go as far as to suggest that an agreement was in place.And reports in Italy are suggesting it’s not a done deal either, with Corriere dello Sport insisting that other clubs are still in the race for Kone, including Liverpool.The Reds, Arsenal and Chelsea are all said to have contacted Roma to ask for more information on the midfielder, while Atletico Madrid is also claimed to be in the mix.What’s more, it’s suggested that the asking price for Kone will not drop below $69M (€60M) following his performances at the World Cup, with Roma looking to make a tidy profit after signing him in a deal worth up to $23M (€20M).Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.Speaking about his club’s current situation, Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini hinted that it could be forced to take action soon in order to avoid any punishment from UEFA, which may leave the door open for Kone to make a move.“The financial fair play conditions are never exactly precise or defined, they vary from team to team.

It’s undeniable that Roma know that we have to balance the budgets, which has been tough in recent years,” Gasperini said.“I’d hoped that entry into the Champions League would have been enough, but budgets are important for clubs and must be respected. I think there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.”