Real Madrid's two defensive midfielders are unwilling to join Manchester United! Kone is the top backup target, while Ratcliffe continues to wait.

Manchester United's midfield still lacks a more defensively robust player. Among the current options, Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans, and Andre Santos share similar characteristics, with only Santos offering better defensive contributions. Ugarte is out for the season with a serious knee cruciate ligament injury, and Carrick has no pure defensive midfielder. Since Casemiro left, the club has consistently aimed to bring in three midfielders for the squad rebuild. However, there is no clear progress on the third new signing.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ideal candidate was originally England international Elliott Anderson, who has left Nottingham Forest for a £116 million move to Manchester City. United considers the prices of Anderson, Matheus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali to be too high, so they have turned to other targets.

Ironically, another of Ratcliffe's ideal players, Aurelien Tchouameni, likely faces a similar situation. The 26-year-old Real Madrid defensive midfielder would command a transfer fee of around £100 million and earn higher wages than the three mentioned above. However, the Red Devils' boss refuses to give up and hopes to wait until the last moment to decide.

Tchouameni is very happy at Real Madrid, and his priority is to stay at the Bernabeu. However, if Mourinho's team indicates they no longer need him, the French international would consider a transfer. But Los Blancos have told United in discussions that they will not force the player and will only sell at the right price.

Mourinho would prefer to sell another French defensive midfielder, Eduardo Camavinga. He has informed the player that he will struggle to get regular playing time in the new season, and if he wants to leave, the club will approve it.

The UK's Guardian reports that Camavinga's transfer fee is cheaper, ranging between €50-60 million (£42.8-51.4 million). However, Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says Camavinga is determined to stay, with his contract running until 2029.

Romano explained: "Transfers are not just about clubs; we also need to see if the player will open the door. For example, Camavinga: Real Madrid said he could leave, but he wants to stay and fight for his place in the team."

It is said that among Manchester United's current list of third midfield target candidates, Roma's Manu Kone is the most cost-effective and feasible option. His transfer fee is around €60 million (£51 million), and his wages are within normal range, with a fixed weekly salary at the "Giallorossi" of less than £100,000.

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claims that Kone has agreed to join Manchester United, and it mainly depends on the club's decision. Italian media say United remain in contact with Kone's agent, and Roma's sporting director is also waiting for the final decision from Ratcliffe's management team.

Roma is disappointed with United's slow progress, which could affect manager Gasperini's future plans. Roma hoped to complete the deal before July 31, but now it seems extremely unlikely, almost impossible. According to current plans, Kone is set to report back to the team on August 10.

United is also considering Bournemouth's Tyler Adams or Fulham's Sander Berge. "talkPORT Radio" says Bournemouth's hierarchy has denied rumors of being willing to sell the American international for £35 million. However, compared to Tchouameni, Camavinga, and Kone, Adams is certainly cheaper. His valuation is expected to be similar to Berge's, around £40 million.

Both players performed well in this summer's World Cup and have played in the Premier League for multiple seasons, making them the type of players United has recently favored.