manchester united They are fighting with several big European clubs for the signing of Barcelona Defender Jules Kounde this summer, according to a Spanish media, Sports world.
The 25-year-old has been a regular member of Barcelona's starting lineup this season, featuring in 44 games across all competitions for the Catalan giants.
However, Kounde has primarily played as a right-back rather than his preferred central position. Barça have a host of options at centre-back and are expected to sell one of their defenders this summer to help balance the books.
Kounde is keen to remain at the Camp Nou, but is considered one of Barcelona's most salable assets given the interest shown in his services ahead of the summer.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Kounde is very loved throughout Europe with Manchester United among a long list of admirers of the French international.
The report says United are showing strong interest in signing the defender but face competition from the likes of ChelseaParis Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Newcastle UnitedEdit.
Kounde's contract with the Blaugrana runs until 2027 and is currently valued at €50m (£43m) per Transfer marketbut Barça can expect to demand more given the level of interest shown.
United Eye Kounde attacks
United have endured a tumultuous season so far and one of the key factors in their dismal run of results is their defence.
Erik Ten HagThe team has conceded 55 goals in the first league this season and more than 70 goals in all competitions, the club's most in more than three decades.
In a bid to address their defensive issues, the 13-time Premier League champions are monitoring Kounde ahead of a possible move this summer. The Frenchman could be one of the new arrivals at Old Trafford as INEOS, the club's new owners, embark on a summer rebuild.
A textbook defender who prefers to flick the ball out of danger rather than make a risky pass, the Frenchman's presence in the backline could help bolster United's defence.
Kounde would also give Ten Hag the option of using a centre-back in an inverted full-back role, a trend that has become popular in England in recent seasons.
With the transfer As the window approaches, Man Utd will take measures behind the scenes to secure new signings and it looks like Kounde is becoming a serious target.
