According to the Spanish publication Sport, Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona star Jules Kounde this summer.
The Red Devils are anticipated to reassemble their team in time for the upcoming campaign, following a dismal performance this season. Although it’s been reported that Erik ten Hag wants to enhance the midfield and attack, he also wants to add a new defender to the back line this summer.
Recently, a number of defensive players, including Antonio Silva, Jean-Clair Todibo and Jarrad Branthwaite, have been linked to a transfer to Old Trafford. However, Kounde is starting to become a viable choice.
Sport Witness, who translated and cited the print edition of Sport, have reported that Kounde is “on the radar” at Manchester United and they may try to recruit him at the end of the season.
As per the report, Barcelona are facing financial troubles right now, therefore they would be willing to accept £51 million to cash in on the Frenchman in order to balance their books.
Sport, however, claims that Liverpool are also interested in signing Kounde, so Man Utd will have fierce competition from their bitter rivals to complete any possible move for him.
Both the clubs are looking for new defenders as they are set to lose existing ones in the summer. Joel Matip is expected to leave Anfield while players like Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have uncertain futures at Old Trafford.
Despite having the characteristics of a central defender, Kounde is a flexible player who can also play right back. He reads the game well, contributes effectively in the defensive aspect of the game, and is at ease playing out of the back.
