Manchester United are reportedly ready to offer upto €70 million in order to land Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, who is also on the radar of Real Madrid.
Spanish publication La Razon are speculating that Real Madrid might lose out or fall behind in the race to sign Jules Kounde. The Sevilla defender is on the radar of Manchester United, Real Madrid and PSG among other top clubs and currently has a €90 million release clause in his contract.
The report says that PSG are ready to offer the entire amount of release clause and are thus obvious favourites. However, Manchester United are prepared to bid upto €70 million to get Kounde, who seems to be a priority target for all of these clubs. Real Madrid though, might find themselves in a pickle, with the club not looking to shell out such a large sum for the Sevilla star.
Jules Kounde has become a mainstay at Sevilla and is regarded as one of the premiere centre-backs in club football since his move to Sevilla. The 2019-20 La Liga campaign was a wondrous maiden season for Kounde in Spain, with the 22-year-old ranking fourth in the league in terms of successful aerial duels (74.5%).
The aforementioned statistic becomes even more impressive when comparing it to his stature, with Kounde only 1.78m tall. Along with compensating for his short stature with a strong flight, the 22-year-old is oh-so-comfortable on the ball and can carry it forward, something that is required of a modern defender.
Manchester United are back among the top echelons under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. But, one area that is plaguing the side is the flailing defence, especially their trouble in defending set-pieces. Victor Lindelof is not as aggressive and eventful in air while also being easily brushed aside by strong strikers, as evidenced in the goal they conceded against West Brom last weekend.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants someone quick to partner Harry Maguire, who has seldom been seen carrying the ball forward and spraying passes. Having a partner that can do the same along with compensating for the lack of pace the English international possesses would be quite the sight and make Manchester United a real powerhouse at the back.
For Real Madrid, it has become imperative to replace Sergio Ramos, who is being linked with a summer exit. Eder Militao, Raphael Varane and Nacho have put in shifts but the defence still lacks that bit of solid foundation that players like Sergio Ramos provide.
Jules Kounde is just that man. Along with being a picture-perfect modern-day defender, Kounde can also team up with compatriot Raphael Varane, which could convince the latter to stay put at Real Madrid.
Right now though, Real Madrid are third in the three-horse race, at least financially. No one is aware of what Jules Kounde desires. But, Manchester United do seem to be in a slight lead over the Spanish giants for the Sevilla ace.
