Manchester United have reportedly identified Jules Kounde as one of the options to bolster the heart of their defence in the January window.
According to a report by Daily Express, Jules Kounde is the subject of interest from Manchester United over a move in the January transfer window. The Sevilla centre-back is a part of a five-man shortlist of candidates identified to reinforce their defence this winter.
Jules Kounde is the latest on the conveyor belt of talented players being rolled out of France, with his career taking off since joining Sevilla from Bordeaux in the summer of 2019. Last season, the 22-year-old was one of the most impressive centre-backs in La Liga and played a pivotal role as the Spanish outfit triumphed in the UEFA Europa League.
Kounde has continued being a mainstay at the back for Sevilla this season, missing just one game when available. With 18 appearances across all competitions under his belt, his stock continues to rise. And, the youngster has now emerged on the radar of Manchester United over a possible winter transfer.
Manchester United have been reported to be in the market for a centre-back, with the latest in their long line of targets reportedly being Facundo Medina. The keenness to bolster the heart of their defence makes sense as well, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still in search of a reliable long-term partner for captain Harry Maguire.
Victor Lindelof has steadily improved this season, but his recurring back problems has left Manchester United scouring for possible reinforcements. In addition, the injury-prone nature of Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe means that Solskjaer does need to delve into the transfer market, especially with Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones on the exit trail.
To that end, Kounde is a viable target for Manchester United to pursue in the January transfer window. The 22-year-old is not the only Sevilla defender who has impressed the bigwigs of Europe, with central defensive partner Diego Carlos reportedly a target for Liverpool.
As for Kounde, he is a part of a five-man shortlist that Manchester United are referring to over a possible January move, with Pau Torres their priority. What now remains to be seen is if the Red Devils end up making a move for the Frenchman and if Sevilla entertain the prospect of losing their key defender this winter.
