Pranav Nair
Real Madrid to battle Manchester United for Jules Kounde
According to AS (h/t The Daily Mail), Spanish giants Real Madrid will challenge Manchester United for Sevilla star Jules Kounde.
The 22-year-old is one of the finest young defenders in the game and has seen his stock rise at Sevilla. This has garnered the attention of United who are in the market for a centre-back to partner Harry Maguire.
Kounde has been a reagular for Sevilla this season and has made 44 appearances, scoring four goals and assisting one. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Real Madrid are also in the market for a centre-back and Zinedine Zidane has earmarked Kounde as the solution to his problems. The future of both Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos remains uncertain, with the duo even being linked to United.
Madrid are also keen on Pau Torres and could confront United on multiple fronts in their search for a defender. While Kounde’s mammoth £78m release clause is a sticking point for all clubs, Real hope to sweeten the deal by offering £52m plus a player in exchange.
United recently agreed to fresh terms with Eric Bailly and it may have consequences in our search for a centre-back. The Red Devils are already in advanced talks with Torres and are keen to complete a deal ahead of this summer’s Euros. (h/t The Metro)
With Madrid focussed on Kounde, United could very well land themselves a clear shot at signing Torres. It may very well work out to our advantage.
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With Chelsea also in the fray for Kounde, United face much competition for the French ace. The last thing we want right now is to be bogged down in a transfer saga that could last the summer.
