Real Madrid 'identify Jules Kounde as Sergio Ramos replacement'

Real Madrid have reportedly identified Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde as a potential long-term replacement for Sergio Ramos.

Ramos has enjoyed a distinguished career at the Bernabeu - scoring 97 goals in 650 appearances for Los Blancos - but Madrid are supposedly keen to bolster their defensive options and provide cover for the 34-year-old.

Kounde's debut season with Sevilla saw the Frenchman make 29 appearances in La Liga, helping Julen Lopetegui's side achieve a top-four finish and a route into the Champions League.

According to Cadena Ser, Kounde is Zinedine Zidane's priority defensive target after the Madrid manager was impressed by the defender's development during the 2019-20 campaign.

The report also claims that Dayot Upamecano, Benoit Badiashile and Arsenal-linked Gabriel Magalhaes are all on Zidane's shortlist, but the La Liga champions may have to wait until next year to recruit owing to the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kounde's current deal with Sevilla expires at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.