Man Utd set to renew Jules Kounde transfer interest with Chelsea also targeting 22-year-old Sevilla defender
MANCHESTER UNITED have reignited their interest in Chelsea target Jules Kounde, according to reports.
The Red Devils considered a move for the 22-year-old Sevilla star this summer before they signed Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.
Varane is going to 'miss a few weeks' after picking up a groin injury and Harry Maguire is also out with a calf problem.
Kounde may not solve United's short term injury crisis but he would provide top class back up with Eric Bailly expected to leave.
However, United will face stiff competition from Chelsea who tried to sign the Frenchman in the summer.
The Blues were keen to snap him up, but were reluctant to activate his £68million release clause.
Both clubs were close to agreeing a £43m deal for the Frenchman, only for the LaLiga side to bump up their asking price following Kurt Zouma's switch to West Ham.
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The failed transfer is said to have left Kounde furious with the Sevilla board after he had agreed personal terms with the West London outfit.
But the defender could still get his move to Chelsea in January, but ESPN state that will only happen if the Spanish outfit lower their demands.
They have claimed that Chelsea are only prepared to still pay £43m.
Should Sevilla be willing to revive negotiations, then the Champions League holders won't hesitate in making a swoop for the ex-Bordeaux ace.
Speaking of Chelsea's failed move for Kounde, Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui confirmed the Premier League giants didn't offer a sufficient amount of money.
He told Diario de Sevilla: "Kounde in the end has stayed because the club has decided that it was the right thing to do based on the evaluation of the offers they may have had.
"For me, as a coach, that Jules stays is positive.
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"With the evolution he has had in these two years, it is positive, without any doubt."
Thomas Tuchel also said after: "It was clear we tried for Kounde and Saul [Niguez] and it was very, very late but it was a very, very smooth transfer window because I had full concentration on training and on my team."
Chelsea are said to fancy Kounde as a replacement for Antonio Rudiger who is out of contract at the end of the season and could leave on a free.
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