Liverpool are gearing up to BEAT Manchester United in a race for a £42m midfield target.

The Reds need midfield reinforcements following a poor 2025/26 season – where several of their star players failed to reach their best.

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A shake-up could be on the cards – with Curtis Jones and potentially Alexis Mac Allister earmarked for the exit. Other fringe players like Stefan Bajcetic, Harvey Elliott and Trey Nyoni could be moving on – opening up a gap for a new contender to emerge.

Liverpool want £42m Manu Kone

A report in Football Insider is claiming that the Anfield side are now ahead of Manchester United for one FIFA World Cup midfield star.

Manu Kone, 25, has previously been on the radar for the Merseysiders – ahead of his move to Roma for €18m from Borussia Monchengladbach – initially agreed in 2024.

Following a solid World Cup campaign for France – and amid financial questions to answer for his club – there is a possibility that Kone could be on the move.

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Liverpool ahead of Man Utd for Manu Kone

“Liverpool are prepared to join rivals Manchester United in the race to sign Roma star Manu Kone,” the report reads.

“Alongside their rivals, Andoni Iraola’s side had scouts keeping tabs on the 25-year-old’s performances at the World Cup, where he featured for the fourth-placed France side.

“The newly-appointed boss is keen to improve his midfield options this summer, and the Roma midfielder has been identified among the leading targets. “Liverpool could pip them to a deal.”

Gian Piero Gasperini – the Roma head coach has previously admitted that Kone could be among the departures owing to UEFA financial regulations.

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“Roma are willing to entertain offers for Kone as a result of the growing interest and their difficult financial situation,” the report reads.

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Manu Koné: Situation summary

Manu Koné is a 25-year-old French central midfielder at Roma, contracted until June 2029 after an €18m move from Borussia Mönchengladbach, and now valued in the €40–50m bracket.

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A France international and World Cup starter, he profiles as a high-end midfield pillar rather than a short-term stop‑gap for any buyer. Koné is a ball‑winning yet press-resistant midfielder who can play as a 6 or 8, combining powerful ball-carrying with combative duels and intelligent positioning.

He breaks pressure with first touch and body shape, drives play forward through traffic, and offers clean short and medium-range distribution rather than expansive Hollywood passing.

Roma have already knocked back a €40m bid from Atletico Madrid and, with his World Cup performances, are expected to seek a premium fee, placing him firmly on Manchester United and Liverpool’s lists as a long-term solution in an aggressive, transition‑conscious midfield.