Manchester United 'in a strong position to sign Jules Kounde next summer'

Manchester United are reportedly 'well placed' to sign Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde next summer.

The Frenchman was strongly linked with a move to Chelsea during the recent transfer window, but the Blues could not come to an agreement with his La Liga club over a fee.

There is again speculation surrounding Kounde's future ahead of the January transfer window, although Sevilla are expected to again resist a departure at the start of 2022.

According to SuperDeporte, the Spanish outfit are preparing for Kounde's exit next summer, though, by identifying Barcelona's Clement Lenglet as his replacement.

The report claims that despite interest from elsewhere, Man United are 'well placed' to move for the 23-year-old, who has made 17 appearances in all competitions for Julen Lopetegui's side this term.

The 20-time English champions brought Raphael Varane to the club last summer, and Kounde's potential arrival would seemingly put Harry Maguire under severe pressure for a spot in the first XI.

The Sevilla defender is believed to have a £69m release clause in his current deal at Estadio Ramon.