Roma chief ‘confident’ of keeping £32.5m Man United target

Mark Scott
Kostas Manolas: Defender linked with Arsenal

Kostas Manolas: Defender linked with Arsenal

Roma sporting director Mauro Baldissoni believes centre-back Kostas Manolas will not be joining Manchester United during the transfer window.

The Red Devils were reportedly ready to re-ignite their interest in the Greek international with a £32.5million bid as their pursuit of Benfica’s Victor Lindelof continues to drag on.

However Baldissoni does not seem worried about the prospect of losing one of their star players, who has made 16 league appearances and helped guide Roma to second in the Serie A table.

Baldissoni told reporters: “Manolas to leave in January? Where would he go? Manchester United? Not to my knowledge.

“I do not think he will leave in January.”

There is a belief that Manchester United’s deal for Lindelof is now back on after Benfica settled a sell-on clause issue with the Swede’s former club.