Varun Pai
Transfer News: Manchester United suffer blow as Sevilla ace Jules Kounde ruled out for January move
According to Spanish outlet Marca (h/t The Express), Jules Kounde is ‘happy’ at Sevilla and will not be moving in January amidst transfer interest from Manchester United.
The 23-year-old has been producing eye-catching performances for the last two years in Spain. Sevilla have moulded the youngster into one of the best in the business, and he is now garnering interest from top European clubs.
Chelsea were the first to try their hand to lure the Frenchman to England. They sold Kurt Zouma to West Ham in the summer, only to miss out on Kounde. The Blues stumped up £50million to land his signature, but the Spanish club held their ground.
They stood steady on their £68million release clause of the player and demanded nothing less. The move failed eventually, but Thomas Tuchel and co could still sign him in the future.
However, Man United had joined the race to sign the defender recently. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did bring Raphael Varane through the door this summer, but the Red Devils need more cover.
Harry Maguire looks off-the-paces, and his injury in September has not done him any favours. Moreover, Varane has already suffered two injuries this season. His latest setback has ruled him out for a month.
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Thus, the addition of Kounde could help them construct a formidable backline. The Old Trafford outfit were eyeing a move in January, but that has been now been ruled out. The French international is thought to be happy in Spain and shall not move in the winter window. Moreover, the Spanish outfit are calm about the situation of their prized asset, who is under contract until 2024.
Their president, Joan Castro, has already claimed that they do not need to sell the centre-back to generate funds while sporting director Monchi is also an expert negotiator. Thus, United might have to pursue other targets to strengthen the defence.
