Thursday's Manchester United transfer talk news roundup: Jules Kounde, Andre Silva, Federico Valverde

The January transfer window has now closed, leaving Manchester United to begin looking forward to the summer for their next round of recruitment.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings from Old Trafford.

Thursday morning's Manchester United transfer talk news roundup:

Manchester United 'willing to spend £61m to beat Real Madrid to Jules Kounde'

© Reuters

Manchester United reportedly have a €70m (£60m) price in mind to see off competition from Real Madrid for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

The Red Devils are believed to be looking for a new centre-back and have made Kounde their leading target ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, United are expected to face strong competition from a number of other clubs, with Spanish giants Madrid also said to be keen to snap up the France Under-21s international.

According to Spanish outlet La Razon, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are considered the favourites to sign Kounde as they are prepared to meet Sevilla's valuation.

Madrid would apparently have to first sell a player to fund a deal, making a move for free agent David Alaba all the more appealing.

Kounde, also a rumoured target for Paris Saint-Germain, has made 71 appearances for Sevilla since joining from Bordeaux in July 2019.

Manchester United 'identify Andre Silva as transfer target'

© Reuters

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Andre Silva.

The 25-year-old joined Frankfurt on a permanent deal last summer and has been in impressive form during the 2020-21 campaign, scoring 19 times in 22 appearances in all competitions.

The Portugal international found it difficult to make his mark at AC Milan between 2017 and 2020 but has now managed 35 goals in 59 outings for his current team, including a loan spell during the 2019-20 campaign.

United are thought to be keen to bring a new centre-forward to the club, with Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland an option, but the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona are also said to be in the mix for his services.

According to Sky Deutschland, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have identified Silva as a possible acquisition, with the second-highest scorer in this season's Bundesliga potentially available for a reasonable price.

The forward also has an impressive record at international level - where he plays alongside United attacker Bruno Fernandes - finding the back of the net on 16 occasions in 37 appearances.

Silva's current deal with Die Adler is due to run until the summer of 2023.

More transfer news from Manchester United:

Report: Manchester United monitoring Federico Valverde
A report claims that Manchester United are monitoring Federico Valverde ahead of a possible move for the Real Madrid midfielder in the summer. Read more.

Real Madrid to rival Liverpool, Manchester United for David Carmo?
A report claims that Braga defender David Carmo, previously touted as a target for Liverpool and Manchester United, is now on Real Madrid's radar. Read more.

Manchester United 'end Jadon Sancho interest after Mason Greenwood extension'
Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho is reportedly no longer a target for Manchester United following the Red Devils' decision to award Mason Greenwood a new deal. Read more.

Edinson Cavani 'wants to stay at Manchester United'
Edinson Cavani wants to remain with Manchester United until the end of the 2021-22 campaign, according to a report. Read more.