Manchester United 'identify Jules Kounde as leading defensive target'

Manchester United are reportedly planning a summer move for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.

The 22-year-old was strongly linked with Manchester City during last summer's transfer window, while Bayern Munich, Juventus and Real Madrid are also believed to be admirers.

However, according to The Mirror, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified the Frenchman as his leading defensive target ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

The report claims that Kounde is viewed by the 20-time English champions as the ideal player to operate alongside Harry Maguire at the heart of the defence, with Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly both spending periods on the sidelines with injuries this season.

The former Bordeaux youngster has a contract with Julen Lopetegui's side until the summer of 2024 but could allegedly be available for a fee in the region of £60m.

Solskjaer's side are also said to be eyeing a move for Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, who could be available on a free transfer at the end of June.