Man Utd identify £60m rated Kounde as ‘ideal’ partner for Maguire

Manchester United have identified Sevilla defender Jules Kounde as the ‘ideal’ partner for captain Harry Maguire, as the club’s search for a new centre-back continues.

Despite their improved form over the last few months, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side still look in desperate need of a new centre-back, with both Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof both failing to truly nail down a starting berth.

Manchester United‘s shock defeat to Sheffield United in midweek saw some calamitous defending from the Red Devils in the build-up to the Blades second goal, with the loss a real setback in their pursuit of a first title in eight years.

While a move for a new defender is very unlikely in the current window, it would appear that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to bring in a new central defender this summer, despite having already spent £80m on Harry Maguire in 2019.

As per the Mirror, United have identified Sevilla’s Jules Kounde as the ‘ideal’ man to partner Maguire at the heart of the defence, the centre-back said to be rated at £60 million by the Spanish side.

The Frenchman – who plays on the right of defence – has apparently emerged as a top target for the club after some impressive displays in La Liga, including his excellent performance against United in their 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in the Europa League semi-final last season, with the Spanish side going on to lift the trophy.

At just 22, Kounde would represent a long-term option and could be the man fill the void at centre-back for the foreseeable future.

United have previously been linked with a move for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano, although they are just one of a number of Europe’s elite who are keen on the Frenchman.

The Premier League club do already have a number of centre-backs on their books, although Marcos Rojo could be set to leave this month, while Phil Jones is another who seems destined to depart in the near future.

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