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Man Utd not willing to pay Jules Kounde release clause

Manchester United are reportedly unwilling to meet Sevilla defender Jules Kounde’s release clause, as the club’s search continues for new centre-back.

Despite having spent £80m on Harry Maguire back in 2019, United are likely to have to go into the market once again to bring in another high profile centre-back addition, with both Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof still yet to convince alongside the Englishman.

As recent weeks have shown, the Red Devils still appear shaky defensively and the lack of a settled and quality centre-back partnership remains a major issue.

In truth, since the departure of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand in 2014, the club haven’t had a reliable and consistent defensive duo, with the likes of Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling all failing to impress in recent times.

One man who looks to be high up on United’s potential list of centre-back targets is young Frenchman Jules Kounde, although according to the Mailthe Premier League side are unwilling to pay his £68m release clause.

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought after defenders in world football, following his impressive displays both in La Liga and in the Champions League for current club Sevilla.

Although yet to be capped by France, the former Bordeaux man is extremely highly-rated by clubs around Europe and was reportedly the subject of interest from Manchester City last summer, before they opted to move for Ruben Dias.

As for United, they were previously linked with Kounde’s compatriot Dayot Upamecano, although he has agreed to join Bayern Munich at the end of the season, while fellow RB Leipzig man Ibrahima Konate is also seemingly on the club’s radar.

While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’ side are crying out for a new centre-back signing, they appear unwilling to pay over the odds to get one, particularly with the current economic situation caused by Covid-19.

With the club also seemingly in the market for a new right-winger and potentially a top class striker, it would appear they are not too keen to be paying inflated prices to get the men they want.

Read – Ten English-born footballers who represent other countries at international level

Read Also – Olé! The five players with the most nutmegs in Europe’s top five leagues

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