Manchester United eyeing Jules Kounde alternative

Touted as one of the best young centre-backs in Europe right now, Jules Kounde has been linked with a move to Manchester United for some time now.

He is thought to be the perfect man to partner Harry Maguire at the heart of the Red Devils’ defence. But it might be difficult to get a deal done for the French defender

There is a massive €80 million (£68 million) release clause in the 22-year-old’s current contract. Although there have been a few rumours which have suggested that the La Liga side could be willing to do a deal for a transfer fee around £50 million, it is widely believed that Sevilla are looking for the release clause to be triggered.

But in the middle of a global pandemic, Manchester United might choose not to splash that kind of a transfer fee on one player, given they have other positions to strengthen in the squad as well. Thus, it should not come as a surprise if the Red Devils are searching for a Kounde alternative.

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Manchester United appear to have identified Kounde alternative

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast and as reported by the Metro, Fabrizio Romano said that while Kounde is on Manchester United’s radar, Sevilla’s eye-watering asking price is ‘complicating’ a possible deal.

As a result, they have had to look at alternatives and Sven Botman is high on their list of centre-back targets. The Lille star has caught the attention of clubs around Europe this season with his performances in Ligue 1. He was linked with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur last January, however, a deal failed to materialise.

He is excellent in the air and good with the ball at his feet as well. But is he the right fit for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side? That is the big question.

Would he really be the perfect acquisition to not only accommodate but elevate Harry Magure’s individual strengths? That remains to be seen.