Manchester United could target Sevilla star Jules Kounde in January transfer window amid Chelsea interest

According to the Spanish publication AS (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United could target Sevilla ace Jules Kounde in the January transfer window amidst interest from Chelsea. He got linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer but nothing ever materialized.

Kounde has a “palpable” admiration towards the Theatre of Dreams and is still being eyed by Man United for a potential transfer in the future. The Blues would pose a challenging threat in the race to sign the La Liga superstar as they have been heavily linked over the past year or so.

A move next month could make sense looking at how the United defence has fared over the current campaign. They have leaked goals despite bringing in Raphael Varane as one of the marquee signings ahead of this season. As a result, they could try to reinforce their backline to support Ralf Rangnick.

Probable?

Harry Maguire has been on the receiving end of criticisms over the current term, and rightfully so for many reasons. He has improved recently but is far from his usual self, which calls for concern. Varane has struggled with injuries since the move and has not been a regular in the defence.

Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof are not consistent enough to be called dependable, but that could change as they have shown some improvements. Phil Jones is close to being non-existent and has shown no sign of climbing back into the starting lineup. In such a case, the 23-year-old could prove to become a valuable addition to the defensive unit.

At the same time, one could question whether a centre-back should be focused on or not. Defensive issues are not always down to the players playing in that specific position, as the entire team could cause an effect. It has been clear for a while that the team lacks balance in midfield, so that is where we should focus our attention.

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The Frenchman would prove to be an expensive signing as he has been sensational for the Spanish club. If we could first address our midfield imbalance and have the money to try for the France defender, then we should do our best to get that done.

With years ahead of him and the potential to grow as a player even more, the Sevilla defender could play a long-term part in safeguarding our backline. That is if we sign him in the upcoming transfer windows. Not to mention, we would have to be decisive with our interest because of other potential suitors who could act quicker than us.