Manchester United have reportedly failed in their first attempt to negotiate a deal for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
The France international has made 88 appearances for the Spanish outfit over the past two years, enhancing his reputation as one of European football's most highly-regarded centre-backs.
While the 22-year-old is well thought of at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, Sevilla are said to be open to cashing in on arguably their most prized asset.
However, according to transfer expert Duncan Castles, United were unsuccessful when speaking informally to their Sevilla counterparts about a possible deal.
Speaking to the Transfer Window Podcast, Castles claimed that United were told that a bid of £38m would be well below Kounde's valuation.
Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be among the clubs who are monitoring any developments with Kounde's future this summer.
Darren Plant
