Koné, Scott and Bouaddi: United’s Midfield Targets After Ederson Blow | OneFootball

Manchester United have drawn up a three-man midfield shortlist – Manu Koné, Alex Scott and Ayyoub Bouaddi – with the club targeting two further signings after pulling out of the Ederson deal following an unsuccessful medical, according to a report citing journalist Eduardo Burgos.

United’s window shifted sharply on Thursday when it became clear the agreed move to bring the Atalanta midfielder to Old Trafford would not proceed. The breakdown came after complications emerged during the medical process, leaving the club’s midfield rebuild without its planned centrepiece.

The Reds have, however, already moved to soften the blow. Andrey Santos has completed his move from Chelsea in a deal worth £50 million, with the 22-year-old signing a contract to June 2031 with an option for a further year. An official announcement is expected imminently.

🔴 Follow Stretty News on Google as a preferred source and be first with every United update.

The Three Names on United’s List

Santos alone does not solve the problem. Michael Carrick is working with a depleted midfield following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s injury, which is expected to keep the Uruguayan sidelined for a prolonged period. United had planned on three midfield additions this summer, and that target stands.

Burgos reports that the shortlist now contains AS Roma’s Manu Koné, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, with two of the three expected to be signed. Roma are said to be seeking an increased fee for Koné after the Frenchman’s influential World Cup performances, while Bournemouth are insisting Scott – a player United rate highly – is not for sale, with a fee in the region of £80 million demanded should that stance change.

Bouaddi is a midfielder United have tracked closely since the start of the season, with his World Cup performances doing nothing to cool that interest. The difficulty is Lille’s valuation: the French club are reportedly holding out for over £80 million, and there is a genuine question over whether Bouaddi needs another season of development before making such a step.

Carlos Baleba a Fallback Option

Given the obstacles surrounding Scott and Bouaddi specifically, the report raises the possibility of United revisiting an interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba – a player the club explored signing last summer. Baleba had a difficult season at the Amex but retains qualities that suit Carrick’s requirements, particularly his ability to cover ground out of possession.

The clearest path through this shortlist, on current reporting, runs through Koné. Midfield and centre-back were identified as INEOS’s primary recruitment areas this summer, and a dynamic ball-carrier of Koné’s profile would give United something distinct alongside Santos and Mainoo – provided Roma’s revised valuation is met.