Tottenham have reignited their interest in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde after failing to convince the Frenchman to join them in the summer.
According to ABC Sevilla (h/t Sport Witness), Tottenham have reignited their interest in Jules Kounde as Antonio Conte eyes a top-rated central defender. It will, however, take a monumental offer to convince the Spanish side to part ways with the Frenchman, especially in the January window.
Jules Kounde’s name popped up plenty of times in the previous window as Chelsea relentlessly chased the Frenchman’s signature. At one point, it seemed like Thomas Tuchel might get his desired target after a reported verbal agreement with the Spanish side, only for Sevilla to increase their asking price.
Chelsea have retained their interest in the Frenchman as Tuchel is expected to return with another offer for the centre-back. Kounde himself was keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and was left reportedly disappointed by the outcome of the saga.
However, Sevilla might be justified for sticking to their asking price due to his good performances this term. Kounde has a reported €80 million release clause attached to his contract. While clubs could negotiate that figure next summer, Sevilla will expect interested parties to pay his release clause in full if they wish to sign him in January.
Tottenham also showed interest back in the summer, even as they negotiated a deal for youngster Bryan Gil. Kounde was uninterested in a move to Spurs, though, citing sporting ambitions as the reason for his refusal. Moreover, far more glamorous sides from the Premier League were keen on the Frenchman, pushing the north Londoners at the back of the pecking order.
However, Spurs can take the march by paying his full release clause in the January window, which might sound a bit unprecedented. Moreover, compared to last summer, they now have Antonio Conte at the helm, which could prove exciting for any new player to consider before joining.
But Chelsea and Manchester United are still keen on the 23-year-old defender. Moreover, Real Madrid also have an interest in his services, which could also be a likeable destination for the Frenchman, potentially putting Spurs on the backburner.
As for Spurs, they might dip into the transfer market looking for a highly-rated central defensive option. With Cristian Romero out injured and the rest of the defensive options not performing consistently enough, Conte & co. need to sign a defensive star in a bid to boost their chase for a top-four spot. In case their pursuit of Kounde does not bear fruit, they might look at other options such as Feyenoord’s Marcos Senesi.