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Barcelona open to selling Manchester United-linked Jules Kounde?

Barcelona open to selling Man United-linked Jules Kounde?
© Reuters
Barcelona are allegedly open to selling Jules Kounde this summer, with Manchester United thought to be keen on the centre-back.

Barcelona are reportedly open to selling Jules Kounde during this summer's transfer window, with Manchester United believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation.

The 25-year-old completed a move to Camp Nou from Sevilla in the summer of 2022, and he has represented his current side on 66 occasions, scoring three goals and registering nine assists in the process.

Kounde has again been an important player this season, making 26 appearances, scoring twice and registering three assists, but there has been criticism of his form.

According to Sport, there is 'enormous concern' from senior figures at Barcelona when it comes to the centre-back's current run of form.

The report claims that the defender's performance against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey last time out led to a number of questions being asked about his suitability for the team.

FC Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring their first goal with Jules Kounde on December 10, 2023© Reuters

Barcelona are allegedly open to letting Kounde leave Camp Nou this summer for the right money, as he is no longer 'untouchable' at the club.

The Catalan outfit have well-documented financial problems, and there will need to be some first-team exits this summer, with Kounde seemingly viewed as a player capable of raising a large transfer fee.

Man United are said to be long-term admirers of the Frenchman, dating back to his time at Sevilla, and the Red Devils are likely to be in the market for at least one centre-back this summer.

Lisandro Martinez is now back to fitness after recovering a second foot operation, and the Argentina international is viewed as a vital part of the club's plans moving forward.

Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez in action on August 14, 2023© Reuters

However, Raphael Varane is out of contract this summer, and there have been suggestions that the experienced centre-back could make a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia.

Jonny Evans also only has a deal until the end of June, while the long-term futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are unclear, with both allegedly available for the right price.

Chelsea are also expected to sign at least one centre-back this summer, with Thiago Silva's contract due to expire at the end of the campaign.

The Blues were also heavily linked with a move for Kounde during the latter stages of his time at Sevilla, and a deal was thought to be close at one stage, before Barcelona managed to secure his services.

Kounde, who has a contract with Xavi's side until June 2027, is currently with the Barcelona squad preparing for Saturday's La Liga clash with Villarreal.

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