Manchester United are interested in signing centre-back Jules Kounde from Sevilla. The highly-rated French centre-back has impressed during his time with the Spanish club since joining in 2019.
As per Daily Mail, the Red Devils are interested in signing not just Raphael Varane, but also his French compatriot Jules Kounde. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to strengthen his defence, which he sees as a priority in the current transfer window.
The likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in signing Kounde. The 22-year-old had joined Sevilla from Bordeaux for a fee of around €25 million. The Frenchman has made 89 appearances for the club in two seasons.
Jules Kounde: How will he fit in at Manchester United?
Manchester United did progress last season in terms of league finish, but are still some way off from challenging Manchester City for the league title. The Red Devils’ defence seems to have been identified as a weak point by Solskjaer and his staff. Harry Maguire had a good run with England at the Euros and he will be expected to lead the United defence once again, alongside a reinvigorated Luke Shaw, and right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Maguire will most likely have a new defensive partner, with United reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid. The addition of Varane would certainly make the Red Devils stronger defensively, but it seems that the United hierarchy want another defender to add competition to the backline.
Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof have been played alongside Maguire, but neither has looked reassuring over a substantial period. Axel Tuanzebe, who also played a part last season, could be loaned out, while the forgotten Phil Jones may leave the club as well.
Jules Kounde could be a backup option to Maguire and Varane, especially if United sell one of Bailly or Lindelof before the start of the season. The French defender has also played at right-back, which could be an option as well, as there is no strong competition for Wan-Bissaka in that position.
Jules Kounde is a quick defender who likes to press and even drive forward with the ball. He is a good passer and has shown great awareness to move forward and make interceptions.
The 22-year-old is seen as a future first-team player for the French national team and was superb for Sevilla in La Liga last season. Kounde has the tenacity and speed to be a superb Premier League player and could be a fantastic addition to the United squad.
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But it remains to be seen whether United do indeed go ahead with the transfer in the event they manage to wrap up the Raphael Varane deal.
There could also be a possibility of United playing hardball with Real Madrid and the apparent interest in Jules Kounde could also be an attempt by the United hierarchy to make Madrid blink first, with pressure mounting on Los Blancos to take action regarding Varane’s future.
