Manchester United’s efforts to improve the midfield department this summer have been continuous, but INEOS are yet to complete a deal for a new option at the heart of the side.

Andrey Santos has agreed his £50m deal to join from fellow Premier League side Chelsea, but he won’t be joined at Old Trafford by Atalanta star Ederson.

The Brazilian looked certain to be joining Michael Carrick’s men after a £40m transfer was agreed, but the move now appears to be at risk of falling apart.

Complications appear to have arisen during the 27-year-old’s medical, with various sources claiming the player’s move to Manchester is seriously in doubt.

As a result, United have had to consider other transfer targets, but like with Ederson, a deal for another option appears extremely unlikely this summer.

Why Tchouaméni won’t join United this summer

As part of United’s summer recruitment drive for a new midfielder, countless players have appeared on the club’s shortlist since the window opened a couple of weeks ago.

Real Madrid star Aurélien Tchouaméni is just one player who’s been touted with a move to Old Trafford in an attempt to bolster the midfield department.

Talks have even been held with the player’s representatives in recent months to try and convince his entourage that a move to Manchester is the right decision.

However, a move for the Frenchman now appears dead and buried, after it was confirmed that the 26-year-old would be signing a new deal with the Spanish giants.

José Mourinho’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu is said to have played a massive role in his decision - as the player waited to see if the new boss wanted him in his plans.

His new deal, which has been verbally agreed, will see him stay in Madrid until the summer of 2031 at least and will see him earn a staggering £215k-per-week.

Man United's perfect Tchouameni alternative emerges

Despite the pending arrival of Santos at United, there’s no denying INEOS desperately need added additions at the heart of the side before the window closes.

Casemiro’s departure has only heightened the need for added reinforcements, but it remains to be seen how much the hierarchy will splash on any other new addition.

Failed moves for Ederson and Tchouaméni will no doubt be a bitter blow. However, it could prove to be a blessing in disguise should a deal be agreed for Manu Kone.

It’s been reported by Corriere Dello Sport that United are readying a 'strong bid' for the Frenchman this window after missing out on their latest targets.

Reports also suggest staff behind the scenes at Old Trafford are huge admirers of the Roma star and have pulled out of a deal for Ederson in favour of the 25-year-old.

A deal for Kone would be an excellent piece of business for the Red Devils and one that could prove to be a better signing than Tchouameni in the years ahead.

Both players have starred at the ongoing World Cup, but the current United target has managed to outperform his compatriot in various key areas.

The Roma star has completed more of the passes he’s attempted this tournament, whilst also registering more chances created for his teammates per 90.

Both of the aforementioned figures highlight his remarkable ability with the ball at his feet, which could make him the perfect ball-playing deep-lying option for Carrick’s men.

Without the ball, Kone has also bettered Tchouameni, subsequently winning more of the aerial duels he’s entered, whilst making more ball recoveries per 90 - leading to Rio Ferdinand dubbing him “France’s best midfielder.”

His talent without the ball is something which United desperately need in 2026/27, with the Frenchman a player who could be a superb player for the Red Devils for many years to come.

Whilst it’s unclear how much United are set to offer the Serie A outfit for the 25-year-old this summer, it’s a move that could finally end their ongoing midfielder hunt.

His talent domestically and internationally in recent months is evidence of his all-round quality at the heart of the side - which could make him a better addition than Tchouameni in the years ahead.