Pranav Nair
Manchester United reluctant to pay Sevilla’s £68m release clause for ace defender Jules Kounde
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United have been put off by Sevilla’s £68m release clause for defender Jules Kounde.
The 22-year-old is one of Europe’s top young centre-backs. A regular for Sevilla, he was a part of the side that defeated United en route to Europa League glory last season.
Still far from the finished article, Kounde has the potential to be the lynchpin for the United defence for years to come. The club is in dire need to bring in a dependable partner for Harry Maguire and the Frenchman, on paper, looks an excellent fit.
United scouts were in attendance at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan last week as Sevilla took on Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League. Kounde played then whole 90 minutes on the night. (h/t The Athletic) (Subscription Required)
Sevilla are aware of the interest in their star defender. However, given their financial issues owing to the coronavirus pandemic, they are in no mood to lower their asking price.
If United decide to pass on the player, it will not be the first time that a team from the City has done the same. Manchester City were keen on the player last summer but turned their attention to land Ruben Dias instead.
Paying the price
Speaking to El Desmarque (h/t Daily Mail), Sevilla sporting director Monchi admitted that their asking price may be inflated.
While United are keen on bringing in a centre-back, they are also wary of paying over the odds for a player. The Red Devils have not been immune to the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and are also suffering financially.
Whether the Red Devils are able to reach an agreement that is more in line with the player’s actual value remains to be seen. With Sevilla holding the aces when it comes to negotiations, the prospects do not appear very promising.
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While there is quality available in the market, the price it will take for us to bring it in will not be cheap. While Liverpool struck gold with Virgil van Dijk, we have endured rather mixed success with Harry Maguire.
Whether the club will give in and do what it takes to bring in Kounde remains to be seen.
