Jules Kounde ‘likely to stay at Sevilla unless bid of more than £50m is made’ and French defender is ‘not seduced by Tottenham interest’ because he wants Champions League football
- The centre half is considered to be one of the most coveted players in Europe
- Kounde, 22, represented France at the European Championship this summer
- Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea have been credited with interest
Jules Kounde is reportedly likely to stay at Sevilla this season unless a bid of more than £50million is submitted by one of his suitors.
The centre-back, 22, is widely considered to be one of the most promising defenders in Europe, with Premier League sides Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Spanish giants Real Madrid previously understood to be interested.
But according to Diario AS, there have been no serious offers for Kounde since Manchester City bid around £50m last summer, and the club would not be likely to entertain any offers below that figure.
Jules Kounde (shown right) is reportedly likely to stay at Sevilla despite strong transfer interest
The Frenchman is understood to be targeted by Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid
The twice-capped France international represented his country at the European Championship this summer, and is currently preparing for the new 2021-22 season with his club after returning from the tournament.
He has made it clear he wants to leave, but in the absence of any offers worthy of genuine consideration, it currently appears more likely he will be staying in Andalusia for the time being.
Tottenham did make an approach, but Kounde himself refused out of hand because he wants to join a side playing in the Champions League and challenging for domestic titles.
Spurs approached him but Kounde rejected them as he wants to play in the Champions League
However, Real Madrid could fund a move for him – Sevilla are likely to demand more than £50million – if they manage to sell centre half Raphael Varane (above) to Manchester United
Spurs finished seventh last campaign, 24 points behind champions Man City, and missed out on a Europa League spot, instead qualifying for the new Europa Conference League.
Chelsea have enough centre-backs, to the extent they are set to allow the promising Marc Guehi to join Crystal Palace, Manchester United are prioritising Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane, and Los Blancos are short of the cash Sevilla are demanding.
However, if Varane leaves the Bernabeu, Carlo Ancelotti’s side may have the funds to replace him with Kounde.
