Man United reportedly has £140 million to spend on a midfielder and is determined to sign a third player. They have already contacted Kone, or may abandon the pursuit of a big-name star.

Following the announcement of three new arrivals this week, internal sources at Manchester United disclosed that the club will now hit the "pause button" to thoroughly evaluate their next moves. Team correspondent Samuel Luckhurst stated that the Red Devils intend to bring in three additional players, with one of them still being a midfielder.

However, after Andre Santos and Youri Tielemans, Manchester United needs to decide whether the next midfield signing will be a high-priced superstar or continue with a cost-effective approach. If it's the former, it may require a prolonged battle, potentially waiting until the final moments of the summer transfer window.

The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell mentioned the rumors linking Manchester United with Bournemouth's Alex Scott: "United clearly still want a third midfielder, someone with the ability to win the ball, a player who is comfortable sitting in midfield. They admire Scott, but Bournemouth remains adamant about not selling him, so the deal has been slow to progress. This makes me wonder if United thinks the price is too high, but it could also indicate they are waiting until the end of the transfer window to see if they can force Bournemouth to let him go."

The Athletic's authority David Ornstein believes Manchester United will find it difficult to secure Lille's Moroccan youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi. According to reports, Manchester City is currently leading the race for Bouaddi, willing to spend €100 million to sign him outright.

"Right now, United really like Bouaddi, but considering his price tag and the fact they are still looking for other midfield targets, even though I believe they would love to sign him, it may not be realistic," he said. "City are pushing hard to bring Bouaddi from Lille, and they rank high among the suitors for the 18-year-old talent, with Paris Saint-Germain having already given up. Although Lille wants to keep him on loan for another season, City wants to sign him now for €100 million. The Moroccan international is expected to make a decision soon."

Sky Sports UK believes that after spending £85 million on Tielemans and Santos, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will not spend big on a third midfielder, but instead may continue to choose cost-effective new signings.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated that Manchester United's budget for midfield reinforcements is £140 million. He also confirmed that the club has contacted Roma's French defensive midfielder Koudiou Manu Kone. "Don't forget what I said before: United's transfer work is not over. They want to bring in another midfielder, and they will definitely sign one. United have had phone calls with Kone's agent in recent days because he is one of the players United really admire. Let's see how things develop. United are looking for a defensive midfielder with excellent physical attributes. In the coming days, I will tell you some names."

He continued: "After Santos and Tielemans, United are in contact with agents of other defensive midfielders to prepare for the next signing. Kone is one of the players mentioned in internal discussions, and initial contact has been made with his side, but he is not the only one mentioned."

The person Romano mentioned is Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga, but the Frenchman does not intend to move. He said: "Camavinga has been mentioned in United's internal meetings, but the player himself insists he does not want to leave Real Madrid this summer."

Ornstein also listed other names, such as Carlos Baleba, who is well-known to Manchester United fans. "Baleba had a poor season at Brighton last year, so they are weighing more cost-effective targets. Brighton always demands high prices for their players. If the price is that high, would you be willing to pay for a player whose form has declined?"

Ornstein added: "United want to bring in another midfielder, and they really like Scott, but Bournemouth don't want to sell. Many reports say United are monitoring Kone, and honestly, I think that would be a fantastic signing. I just doubt that United are the only club interested in Kone. In short, at this moment, United definitely have better options than Baleba."

It is understood that if they can save money on the third midfield signing, Manchester United may also buy a left-back or left winger, as well as a backup striker.