Inter in intense Kone negotiations with Roma for up to 50m

Reports are growing rapidly that Inter are prepared to offer €30-40m for Roma midfielder Manu Koné, with the Giallorossi asking for €50m.

The suggestion had been mentioned by Sky Sport Italia this afternoon as a potential alternative to Ademola Lookman, with the Nerazzurri investing that money in the midfield instead and readjusting their tactics to put someone else in the supporting role.

That quickly intensified over the last couple of hours with multiple sources reporting direct contact between the clubs, and with Koné’s agents.

Inter can use Lookman cash on Koné

La Gazzetta dello Sport maintain the opening offer is going to be worth €30m, whereas Calciomercato.it insist the bid can go up to €40m.

That is still significantly lower than the €50m asking price, which is confirmed by L’Equipe and RMC Sport.

Roma know they must sell to raise funds for their double swoop in the Premier League, targeting both Jadon Sancho of Manchester United for €23m and Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey on loan with option to buy.

The sale of Koné, who was only purchased from Borussia Monchengladbach a year ago for €18m plus €2m add-ons, would be a big profit margin.