Manchester United are reportedly facing serious competition from Barcelona for the signature of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
The Red Devils have been credited with an interest in the Frenchman who had a stellar campaign with Sevilla last season. Ole Gunnar Solskjær sees the 22-year-old as a perfect long-term partner for Harry Maguire in the heart of the United defence and is ready to break the bank to bring him to Old Trafford.
However, Man United now face a serious threat from La Liga side Barcelona who are also eyeing the defender as a long-term replacement for the ageing Gerard Piqué.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona, who already announced the signing of Eric Garcia from Man City, are also looking to sign a centre-back this summer to shore up a defence that was troubled by injuries and lack of personnel last season.
As a result, a bidding war is expected to take place this summer for the defender who is contracted to Sevilla till 2024 and has a release clause of €75 million.
Kounde joined Sevilla in the summer of 2019 from French club Bordeaux and was instrumental in their UEFA Europa League triumph in 2020.
He also helped the club secure a fourth-place finish in the recently concluded La Liga season, leading to his inclusion in France’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2020.
