Manchester United are preparing a bumper deal to secure the services of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde in the summer.
According to Todofichajes, Jules Kounde has emerged as the priority target for Manchester United for the summer. The Sevilla centre-back is courted by a host of top clubs across Europe, but in an attempt to get the upper hand in the pursuit, the Premier League giants are preparing a staggering €70 million bid.
Man United have already maintained contact with Sevilla regarding the player, even though the Spanish outfit had rejected the club’s previous advances. It appears the Andalusians are determined to soak the most out of Red Devils for a player that they had spent €25 million on, some 18 months ago.
A product of the Bordeaux youth academy, Kounde has barely put a foot wrong since joining Sevilla in 2019. He has become an ever-present figure in the club’s backline, having already notched up 68 competitive appearances.
[THREAD]@azulfeehely describes Jules Koundé as one of Europe's most promising centre-backs. Let's take a look at why that might be.#SquawkaScout x @LaLigaLowdown pic.twitter.com/IYuAgOUf1o
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 29, 2021
His partnership with another in-demand defensive talent in Diego Carlos, in particular, has helped Sevilla register the second-best defensive record in La Liga so far. The Frenchman has been the standout of the two, particularly with his technical prowess and the ability to march forward with the ball. It has seen him transform into one of the most prized centre-backs in Spain.
Manchester United’s plans to secure the services of Kounde is hardly surprising either. His technical assets, coupled with his defensive prowess should make him an immediate upgrade over the inconsistent Victor Lindelof. It should also combine well with the more robust nature of Harry Maguire – much like at Sevilla, where Carlos does most of the dirty work.
The Red Devils also require defensive reinforcements in the summer after offloading Marcos Rojo in January. The centre-back has returned to his native Argentina by joining Boca Juniors while Phil Jones is unlikely to have a long-term future at Old Trafford, despite being selected in the 25-man squad for the Europa League knockout stages.
The addition of Kounde could thus help Solskjaer solve his lack of depth in the defensive unit. But more importantly, the Frenchman can add that extra bit of quality that could be useful in helping Manchester United mount an even stronger title challenge in the next campaign. And at the age of just 22, he can indeed be a smart long-term investment for the Premier League record champions.
