Mixed displays in recent weeks have highlighted Manchester United’s need for a new centre-back. When Eric Bailly is out injured, as he often is, United don’t seem to have the strength required.
One player who won’t be joining is Dayot Upamecano, BILD report, with United no longer in the running.
It’s not a surprise Upamecano won’t be joining. The smart money is on him heading to Bayern. His poor display at Old Trafford in a 5-0 defeat did not help his cause.
United are reportedly eyeing Sevilla’s Jules Kounde instead, as one alternative. The Mirror report United are keen on the £60 million rated defender.
This is a high figure to spend on any player in the current market but Kounde might just be worth it. The 22-year-old is in his second season at Sevilla and has emerged as one of La Liga’s best defenders.
United may be able to knock some money off Kounde’s price tag too.
Sevilla are keen on Diogo Dalot
Calciomercato report Sevilla’s recruitment chief Monchi has identified Dalot as a top target for the summer.
Dalot is regarded as a long-term replacement for Jesus Navas and Sevilla are monitoring his progress at AC Milan.
The 21-year-old still has plenty of potential and while he has played fairly regularly on loan at Milan, he has only four Serie A starts to his name this season.
Milan’s deal does not include an option to buy, Sky Sports report. A bidding war between two, or more clubs, would suit United.
Player plus cash
Kounde’s reported £60 million price tag could become smaller if United can throw Dalot into the deal.
United could get around £15 million for Dalot based on his potential, even though we paid slightly more to sign him from Porto in 2018.
Dalot’s future needs resolving either way this summer. Another loan doesn’t really help anybody, and he has not really shown enough at Milan to suggest he would displace Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the first choice XI at Old Trafford.
It would be in everybody’s best interests if United could package him with an offer for Kounde, which could mean an outlay of just £45 million for the French defender.
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