Man United enter transfer race for £54m rated defender

Manchester United are keen to make another big signing for their backline.

In a busy transfer window, the likes of Raphael Varane, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Jadon Sancho arrived at Manchester United last summer. However, the Red Devils are eyeing more reinforcements this January.

According to AS, Manchester United have joined the transfer race to sign Jule Kounde. The Spanish source claims there is “palpable” interest from the Red Devils for Kounde.

Thomas Tuchel is a 'huge admirer' of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde. Kounde is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and is believed to have agreed the framework of a four or five-year contract.

[via @LaurensJulien]
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) December 17, 2021

However, Man United must expect serious competition from a Premier League rival. Chelsea have been eying a move for the French defender for months now. The Blues came close to signing Kounde last summer. However, a deal fell through because of Sevilla’s demands.

The Red Devils will most likely make defensive signings in their first transfer window under Ralf Rangnick. The Red Devils are eyeing a host of defenders and defensive midfielders. However, it is not yet clear how much freedom they will give their new boss when it comes to signings.

Kounde has a release clause of 80 million euros. United will most likely have to pay the full price in order to leapfrog Chelsea. The London side are struggling to keep Antonio Rudiger and will probably look for a new defender this winter.