Manchester United are reportedly preparing a bid for Jules Kounde, who they want in addition to Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
According to Daily Mail, Manchester United are reportedly interested in bringing Jules Kounde to the club in this window. The Red Devils are also in advanced negotiations for Raphael Varane. They are looking at Kounde and the Real Madrid star to bolster their defensive options.
Manchester United are taking huge strides in this transfer window by targeting some of the top names available. After completing the protracted transfer of Jadon Sancho after the Euros, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer eyes defensive reinforcements heading into next season.
United are already in advanced negotiations to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid after sources confirmed a deal could be imminent. Solskjaer reportedly wants another defender to bolster his options at the back, and Jules Kounde is his primary target.
The 22-year-old Sevilla defender has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs. However, it’s believed he dreams of joining Real Madrid as a priority, although there have been no offers forthcoming from the Spanish giants.
Manchester United are the newest entrant for his signature. Tottenham and Chelsea have been keeping tabs on his situation and believe Sevilla are prepared to sell him. The Spanish side were keen on an offer from Spurs of a reported £25 million-plus Erik Lamela for the French international. However, Kounde was on hand to reject a move to the North London side.
Spurs have since sent Lamela to Sevilla in a swap deal for youngster Bryan Gil. With Tottenham out of the race for Kounde, other options such as Chelsea and United are highly appealing. The Red Devils would like to take their interests up another notch by making an offer soon.
Kounde’s price tag remains unknown, although the French defender will cost United a huge fee. The defender has an €80 million release clause, although he will be available for less, as demonstrated by Tottenham offer earlier. Our understanding is he could be sold somewhere between €35-45 million in the current market.
As for United, signing Kounde will be a statement of intent heading into next season. Solskjaer will be targeting the Premier League title after finishing second to Manchester City last term. The defence was considered a big problem, and the Norwegian manager is on hand to solve those issues.
If both Kounde and Varane are to sign, then it makes United serious contenders. However, Viktor Lindelof or Eric Bailly might be sold to make space in the squad. In the next few weeks, it will be clear how much the Red Devils are willing to offer Sevilla for their prized asset, and in all, it looks like a very sensible move.
