Man United identify Barcelona’s Jules Kounde as potential Aaron Wan-Bissaka replacement | OneFootball

Manchester United have reportedly identified Barcelona star Jules Kounde as a potential replacement for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whose Old Trafford future looks increasingly uncertain.

The right-back position could become an area of the pitch Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS address, especially in the event that Wan-Bissaka departs the club.

The Englishman’s contract is set to expire in 2025 after United triggered a one-year extension clause on his current terms.

Diogo Dalot has cemented his status as a nailed starter at right-back with his consistently impressive performances during a season in which the Red Devils have been underwhelming and very disappointing. In recent games, Erik ten Hag has had to deploy Wan-Bissaka at left-back, partly due to Dalot’s form and also due to the injuries suffered by Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

Wan-Bissaka has been linked to a number of clubs both in England and abroad. West Ham and Crystal Palace are known admirers of the 26-year-old.

More recently, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Inter Milan also like Wan-Bissaka and would be open to adding him to their ranks in a swap deal involving long-term Ten Hag target – Denzel Dumfries – heading the other way.

It’s understood that Wan-Bissaka is open to the transfer and trying a different experience in Italy.

In addition to Dumfries, United have also been mentioned to be in for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpgong.

According to journalist Rudi Galetti, the 20-time English champions have now added Kounde to their three-man list of right-backs they could sign.

This is not the first time Ten Hag’s side have explored a swoop for Kounde. United rivalled Chelsea for his services a few years ago but he instead ended up joining Barcelona from Sevilla.

It has not been all rosy for the Frenchman at Camp Nou and it’s thought that the Blaugrana, whose financial troubles have been well-documented, would entertain offers for him.

Galetti states that Kounde’s versatility is “appreciated a lot” by Old Trafford bosses.

As well as playing as a full-back, the 25-year-old can also be deployed as a centre-back.

So far this season for Barca, Kounde has managed 41 goals across all competitions. He has helped his side keep 16 clean sheets in that period.

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