Manu Koné's tears in the moments after France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain were one of the enduring images of the tournament, and the Roma midfielder now has a few weeks to process that disappointment while weighing up his next career move, according to L'Equipe.
At 25, and after two seasons in Italy comprising 82 appearances, the former Toulouse man's last campaign ended with AS Roma finishing an impressive third on 73 points. Koné, who is under contract until 2029, is aware he is at a turning point in his career, particularly after an eye-catching World Cup in which he earned his 19th cap.
The ambitious midfielder would like to make the step up to a club with more established European ambitions.
Inter Milan have been positioning themselves for months, a link regularly reported in the Italian press, but it is in the Premier League where Koné is most likely to end up, both because he sees himself playing in England and because that is where the market for his signature currently sits. Several clubs have made contact.
Arsenal are among them, but Manchester United appear to hold a head start at this stage. Initial discussions have been opened, though nothing has yet taken on a decisive character. On this deal, as with many others in a summer transfer window slowed by the World Cup, United are determined to take their time, assessing potential deals carefully and avoiding overpaying.
Koné features prominently on the shortlist drawn up by Manchester United's decision-makers, and the Frenchman would look favourably on a move to the north-west of England. Two further Premier League clubs, whose names have not been revealed, have also expressed interest. Ideally, Koné would like his future resolved quickly, though there is no guarantee that wish will be granted.
Roma, for their part, are braced for a fight to keep hold of one of their key midfield performers, even as the club continues to balance its books following an ambitious summer of recruitment.
Any sale would represent a significant profit given the fee Roma paid to bring Koné in from Borussia Monchengladbach, with the France international's rising valuation a reflection of his growing stock following his performances on the biggest stage in world football.