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Manchester United are interested in bringing Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.
The Red Devils have completed one of their worst seasons defensively, conceding a mammoth 85 goals in all competitions.
Raphael Varane is already leaving the club, and players like Victor Lindelof are rumored to be leaving the club.
United have already made a bid for Jarrad Branthwaite and agreed personal terms, but there is also a chance they will aim to bring in two centre-backs.
Football 365 reports that “Manchester United have joined Premier League rivals Arsenal in the race to sign Jules Kounde from FC Barcelona.”
Due to the Catalan club’s much publicized financial problems, “it may be ‘necessary to sell some key players’ and along with Kounde, Raphinha, Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong are candidates to leave.”
“Regarding Man Utd’s interest in Kounde, the defender is said to ‘be sacrificed’ if the Premier League giants make a significant bid and an offer has already been ‘put on the table’.”
“According to sources, United would be prepared to make €40m (£33.8m) as an opening bid. At this price, Joan Laporta is clear: he is not selling.”
“However, if £60m (£50.7m) is reached, a figure more in line with what Barcelona paid for his signature, he will agree, against his will and Flick’s will, to enter into negotiations. ”
The Frenchman’s ability to play at centre-back and right-back could be an interesting option as United aim to sign in both positions, but due to PSR rules, buying a versatile player is always an advantage.
“Koundé is most naturally a right-sided central defender, but he is agile, athletic and technically gifted enough to play perfectly well as a right-back. Making long, lung-crushing runs, he performs there with the competence of a professional quarterback.”
United have previously been linked with the player as one of four suitors looking to sign the player, and he is also said to be a perfect fit for United’s requirements.
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