Manchester United’s quest to sign Roma star Manu Kone could be aided by including Marcus Rashford in a deal. United chiefs are unconvinced over the Italian side’s valuation of the Frenchman.
Kone, who represented France at the World Cup, is set to depart Roma this summer if someone can meet the Giallorossi’s £51million valuation. Neither Al Ahli or United have been tempted to make a deal at that price so far.
The Serie A giants are keen to offload the 25-year-old as they attempt to comply with Financial Fair Play rules while being able to make their own transfer market moves. Roma have received a number of enquiries over their midfield star but have yet to make progress while waiting for him to return from his summer break.
Gazetta dello Sport claim that United could make use of Rashford to reduce the fee demanded by Roma by taking advantage of their need for a left-sided attacker. However, the England international’s salary would prove problematic for the Italians.
It is said a loan would be required, with United footing a significant proportion of the forward’s salary. The club have previously been reluctant to sanction anything but a permanent move following Rashford’s loan to Barcelona.
The Catalan club refused to sign Rashford permanently despite holding an option to sign the 28-year-old for £26m. They chose instead to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
No club has matched United’s valuation of Rashford so far, while it has been suggested that the academy product turned down a move to Turkey. As things stand, Rashford is set to return to Old Trafford.
Rashford has not played for the club since December 2024, but has two years remaining on his contract at the club. A clause in the forward’s contract that would have allowed him to leave for £40m to any club but Liverpool or Manchester City has lapsed.
Rashford is United’s top earner, raking in £325,000 each week, forming a significant part of their wage bill. While club chiefs will be keen to offload that commitment, Michael Carrick was open to the idea of the forward remaining at the end of last season.
“Whoever’s here, I want to work with, and help them improve,” Carrick said. “At the moment, it’s this squad of players. There’s obviously players on loan, and whatever happens with that later on will happen.
“But certainly, as a coach, and leader of a squad, we want to get the best out of everyone.”
