Real Madrid join race for Sevilla's Jules Kounde?

Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race to sign in-demand Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.

Zinedine Zidane could be waving goodbye to his two first-choice centre-backs this summer, as Sergio Ramos's contract is about to expire while Raphael Varane is being heavily linked with a move to the Premier League.

Los Blancos are understood to have agreed a deal with Bayern Munich's David Alaba, but Zidane supposedly wants to bolster his backline further ahead of the new season.

According to AS, Zidane is hopeful of persuading Kounde - who is also wanted by Chelsea and Manchester United - to remain in La Liga at the Bernabeu.

However, the report adds that all three interested parties are not willing to fork out Kounde's £78m release clause, and Real Madrid will instead try to drive the price down to £52m.

The defender has made 44 appearances in all competitions for Julen Lopetegui's side this season, bagging two goals in 28 starts in La Liga.