Manchester United Transfer News: Kostas Manolas Meeting Held, Latest Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly met with the representatives of Roma defender Kostas Manolas ahead of a potential €40 million move this summer.

According to Sky Sport's Manuele Baiocchini and Paolo Assogna (h/t GianlucaDiMarzio.com's David Amoyal), United made contact with Manolas' camp "during the weekend of May 14th," and the Red Devils are happy to meet the Giallorossi's aforementioned valuation.

Manolas is said to be anticipated new United boss Jose Mourinho's "top choice" centre-back. According to the Daily Star's Colin Harvey, the Special One "could be announced as the new United manager as early as [Friday]."

Per Amoyal, Roma may have to initially send Manolas to United on loan, as a sale before September 1 would see them lose half of his £30 million fee to his former club, Olympiakos.

The Greek centre-back is likely to be one of the most sought-after defenders this summer after another excellent campaign with Roma. Here are some of his best moments:

Per Squawka, the 24-year-old is a dominant figure in the air, having won a staggering 115 of the 151 aerial duels he engaged in this season, along with making 49 successful tackles, 71 interceptions and 160 clearances. The all-action defender also possesses excellent distribution, having maintained an 87 per cent passing accuracy.

Amoyal ran the rule over how he compared with Roma team-mate Antonio Rudiger and Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly:

There appear to be conflicting reports over Roma's willingness to part with him, however.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Giallorossi want to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico:

If Roma are to close the gap on Juventus, they'll need to keep their best players, and Manolas certainly fits into that category.

Competing with the likes of United will be difficult, though, so it may be a tough task to ensure he stays put.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Meanwhile, Michael Carrick looks set for a new one-year deal with the Red Devils, according to the Mirror's Adrian Kajumba. The midfielder's future was up in the air, with his current deal expiring this summer, but with Mourinho seemingly closing in on the top job, the club is hoping to keep him.

The England international will be 35 in July, and as Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News illustrated, his continued deployment alongside Marouane Fellaini under Louis van Gaal was problematic for the team:

Indeed, their lack of mobility made their partnership inexplicable to all but the Dutchman. 

However, if partnered alongside a hardworking player who can cover that ground for him, Carrick could still be useful thanks to his accomplished passing.

Should he decide not to accept the offer, Kajumba noted there are plenty of teams interested in his services, from Arsenal, Everton and Stoke City in the Premier League to Orlando City in MLS.