Pranav Nair
Manchester United to shift focus to Pau Torres if Jules Kounde deal falls through
According to La Razio via Sportwitness, Manchester United intend to pursue Pau Torres if their interest in Sevilla star Jules Kounde falls flat.
The Red Devils are keen to bring in a new central defender next summer. The United backline has struggled this season and bringing in a partner for skipper Harry Maguire is at the top of the agenda.
The club’s priority is French defender Jules Kounde who has been impressive for Sevilla. United scouts were in attendance at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan last month as Sevilla took on Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League.
Just 22, Kounde’s performances are drawing attention from some of the top teams across Europe. A defender with a high potentiial, securing him would be a coup for United.
According to the report, United are unwilling to spend more than €70m for the player. With the player’s release clause set at €90m, it remains to be seen if Sevilla are willing to take a cut.
If not, it is entirely possible that the Red Devils will shift their focus to Villarreal star Pau Torres. The Spaniard is expected to cost lesser than Kounde, and is an economical option.
A financially viable option
United’s interest in Torres is not new either. The club were linked with him numerous times last year and might very well land him this time around.
Torres has a £43m release clause in his current contract. That amount has been said to be the maximum that United are willing to pay for a new centre-back next season (h/t The Sun).
With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitting that United will have to be smart in the upcoming window, the chances of us being held for ransom seem remote.
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It is no secret that United are in the market for a new centre-back. With Kounde’s deal at Sevilla running until 2024, the Spaniards hold the aces when it comes to negotiations.
While the Frenchman would be a worthy addition, it remains to be seen if we can land him.
