Manchester United will move for Jules Kounde if they miss out on Raphael Varane
According to Spanish publication AS (h/t Mirror), Manchester United will turn their attention to Jules Kounde if they miss out on Raphael Varane this summer.
The Red Devils are in the market for a new centre-back and have been heavily linked with the Real Madrid star all summer. At 28, Varane is in his prime and also has just one year left on his current deal.
The Frenchman also appears to have his heart set on a move to Old Trafford. United remain the frontrunners for his signature despite Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain also being interested.
While a deal looks promising, a lot can change very quickly in the transfer market. United already have had a £50m bid rejected for the player. Real are holding out for £80m, a rather unrealistic figure given the player’s contract situation.
According to the report, the club are prepared for any eventuality and appear to have earmarked Sevilla ace Kounde as the top alternative. The 22-year-old is one of the best young defenders in Europe and has been excellent for the Andalusians for the past two years.
Sevilla do not appear to be averse to selling the player and are keen on securing £60m for his services. There is every chance that the youngster will in fact cost more than Varane. Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with a move for the 22-year-old.
Despite the increased costs, United could be getting the better deal if they go all out for Kounde. The Frenchman will only get better with age and can serve us for the better part of the decade. Varane, at this point in time, is a better player but is six years Kounde’s senior. While he could make an immediate impact, his re-sale value diminishes the older he gets.
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Another side that is in the fray for Kounde’s signature is Chelsea. Thomas Tuchel is eyeing a new defender as a long-term replacement for the ageing Thiago Silva and the Frenchman is at the top of the German’s shortlist. (h/t The Sun)
