Report: Man Utd reluctant to shell out £68m for La Liga defender
Manchester United are reportedly unwilling to shell out £68 million for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.
According to the Daily Mail, United still retain an interest in Kounde but would prefer not to pay his release clause.
Sevilla have already recognised the interest in their defender from Europe’s elite teams and do not wish to let him go below his market cost.
Kounde has been with Sevilla since 2019 but is widely tipped to be heading towards the exit door this summer.
Kounde is already well known to Manchester. He was previously subject to bids from Manchester City and lined up against United in the Europa League semi-finals last season.
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United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would like to add to his defensive options next summer.
United are currently second in the Premier League, 10 points behind their near neighbours.
City’s recent form makes a challenge for the title look unlikely at the moment but the Red Devils remain in a strong position for a second-place finish.
The defence still remains an area of concern for United. Club captain Harry Maguire is a guaranteed starter but the hunt for a stable partner is still ongoing
Kounde has a strong aerial presence at 1.78 m. He has also scored three goals this season. His pace and agility make him an ideal fit for the rigours of the Premier League.
He is contracted to Sevilla until 2024. He is valued at €50m by Transfermarkt but is expected to cost more given that he will still have three years left on his contract this summer.
One possible issue here is United’s explicit desire to sign a left-footed centre-back (as reported by ESPN earlier this month), which could be another obstacle as Kounde is right-footed.
Unless United are looking to sign two centre-backs, if the left-footed criteria is genuine, then they are unlikely to sign him, especially if the price is over €50m.
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