LALIGA clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid have joined the race for highly-rated Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has also been linked with Premier League sides Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in recent months.
According to , Barcelona have been monitoring Kounde for two years and now want to sign him.
But the Catalan giants are said to be struggling to afford the player's rumoured €75million release clause - around £64.5m.
It is believed Sergio Aguero's new club may offer some players as part of a swap deal to help fund a move.
Kounde's international colleague Samuel Umtiti is rumoured to be one of those stars Barca manager Ronald Koeman is happy to let go.
Real Madrid are also thought to be keeping a close eye on the Sevilla defender as they may need to replace Raphael Varane this summer.
The four-time Champions League winner is entering the final year of his contract at the Bernabeu, with both United and Chelsea rumoured to be interested.
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Reports also suggest Sevilla are expecting Kounde's alleged release clause to be activated this summer by a top European side - and may even sell him for as little as £56m.
United, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been linked with the France international - and cannot be ruled out of this transfer saga.
Speaking to the press ahead of Euro 2020, Kounde said: "I'm at a great club right now, but obviously I would like to evolve into a bigger team.
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"We will see what the future holds, but it is something that is in my head."
Kounde has enjoyed a stellar two years at Sevilla, helping them win the Europa League in 2019-20 and to qualify for the Champions League this term.
He's made 63 LaLiga appearances since his reported €25m move from Ligue 1 side Bordeaux in 2019 and earned a place in France's highly-competitive Euro 2020 squad.
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