Hope for Man Utd as Jules Kounde admits he’s ‘certain’ over summer switch

Jules Kounde, Sevilla, France defender faces the press

Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has dropped a massive hint he will transfer clubs this summer, amid growing claims he is now emerging as Manchester United’s No 1 target.

The Red Devils chief has made the addition of a top class defender his top priority this summer, with a long-term partner for Harry Maguire still needed. Solskjaer is still said to be unconvinced by the quality of Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly. Neither have done much to impress during Maguire’s recent absence with the club failing to keep any clean sheets.

And it seems United have a straight choice between three men this summer. As such, the likes of Raphael Varane, Pau Torres and Kounde have been mentioned as their targets.

Torres, it would seem, appears to top their list. He impressed during his ‘final audition’ on Wednesday night, leaving John Murtough to have reportedly signed off on his signing.

However, Kounde looks another strong option. He has served intention of his availability by claiming he is “certain” he will be changing clubs this summer.

“Regarding my future, it is certain that I will perhaps have to change clubs this summer,” Kounde said. He then added: “But nothing has been finalised yet, I have not decided anything.

“My goal is to play in a big club to try to always progress and to win trophies. I might have to move, but that’s not relevant today.”

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United are not the only ones chasing the France defender. He has also been mentioned as a target for Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Reports earlier this week also claimed he was one of Thomas Tuchel’s top targets at Chelsea this summer.

Kounde has a €90m release clause and his LaLiga club are aware no suitor will be meeting that price in the next market.

Sevilla however are willing to allow the Frenchman’s summer sale if there’s an offer of around €70m (£60.1m).


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Pau Torres hints at summer transfer

Torres, however, does, however fit the bill, especially with Villarreal seemingly opening the door to his sale.

In an interview with Spanish radio show El Transistor after Villarreal’s Europa League final win, president Fernando Roig was asked directly about the prospect of Torres leaving this summer.

“If they arrive with the money and the player wants to move,” said Roig.

“But there must be an agreement between all three parties.”

Pau Torres, Villarreal defender

Speaking last month, Torres admitted he was open to the idea of a summer switch.

Speaking before their clash with Arsenal in the semi-finals of the Europa League, he said: “It is a pride to see that your work is reflected in this type of thing that is spoken, but I face it with great tranquility. I am in a great club like Villarreal and from the tranquility I work every day.

“I’m not thinking about that [transfer] either. There is still a lot ahead of me. My short-term goals are the European semi-final and then to be available for Spain.

“Right now I have a contract (until 2024) and I know that I still have room for improvement. I know that I am in a club where they will treat me well. I will not lack anything and that is very important to me.”

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