Report: Man Utd reluctant to shell out £68m for La Liga defender | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly unwilling to pay £68 million for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.

According to the Daily Mail, United retain an interest in Kounde but would prefer not to pay his release clause.

Sevilla have already fielded interest in the defender from Europe’s elite teams and do not wish to let him go for less than his market value.

Kounde has been with Sevilla since 2019 but is widely tipped to be heading towards the exit door this summer.

He is already well known to Manchester having featured against United in the Europa League semi-finals last season.

Kounde has also previously been the subject of bids from Manchester City.

Red Rants View:

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would like to add to his defensive options this summer.

United are currently second in the Premier League, 10 points behind their near neighbours.

City’s recent form makes a title challenge look unlikely, but the Red Devils remain in a strong position to finish second.

However, the defence remains an area of concern for United. Harry Maguire is a guaranteed starter but the hunt for a reliable partner is ongoing.

Kounde possesses a strong aerial presence and 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 and valued at €50m by Transfermarkt, but the La Liga club have made their stance clear on the fee they want.

One possible issue here is United’s 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 planning to buy two centre-backs they are unlikely to sign him, especially if the price is over €50m.