Sevilla have declined a €45 million attempt from Manchester United for the services of defensive gem Jules Kounde.
Speaking on the Transfer Window podcast, The Times journalist Duncan Castles has offered an update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Jules Kounde, reports Team Talk. It appears the club’s €45 million offer to sign the defensive ace has been knocked down viciously by Sevilla, who are holding out for a much higher fee.
“They proposed they would offer €45 million as a transfer fee for the player. Sevilla aren’t happy with that. Monchi, their sporting director, told United there was no way he’d sell the player for €45m,” said Castles, while the report further states the player has a release clause worth around €80 million.
Manchester United are not the only club interested in the services of Kounde, though. The youngster is also courted by Chelsea and Real Madrid, although the player appears to favour a move to Stamford Bridge.
One would expect the Blues to splash the cash on Kounde as well, given their financial advantage over other clubs. As for Manchester United, the Frenchman’s steep valuation could be problematic for a club that is expected to spend a fortune on Jadon Sancho this summer.
The Red Devils have had difficulties in their pursuit of other defensive options as well. They are only willing to fork out €65 million for one of their top targets in Raphael Varane, who is valued at around €90 million.
Another option for Manchester United is Caglar Soyuncu, whose €50 million price tag makes him a cost-effective alternative to the likes of Varane and Kounde. The Turkish international also has the highly sought-after Premier League experience, even though the defender’s performances in the UEFA Euro 2020 left a lot to be desired.
However, what makes Kounde such an appealing option for top clubs across Europe is his potential. At the age of just 22, the Frenchman has already established himself as arguably the best defensive talent in the continent, becoming a mainstay in the Sevilla defence alongside Diego Carlos.
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Kounde is also far more adept in possession and has the ability to march forward that should offer better variety for the Manchester United defence, alongside the more robust Harry Maguire. And given his age, the Sevilla starlet could be well worth the €80 million, although the Red Devils should definitely try to negotiate in an attempt to lower his price tag.
