Liverpool and Manchester United have both been linked with a potential transfer, while Barcelona are ready to listen to serious offers for Jules Kounde.
The 27-year-old France international has long impressed in the Premier League due to his ability to play at both centre-back and right-back.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City are also interested, so neither Liverpool nor United can make an obvious run at him.
Still, Barcelona’s changing position could make this one worth watching closely.
Barcelona are ready to consider big offers for Kounde
According to Sport, Liverpool and Manchester United are among five Premier League clubs tracking Kunde after his role at Barcelona was reduced this season.
The Catalan club no longer see him as an untouchable player and will consider selling him if a big enough offer arrives.
Kounde has only started a small number of matches this season after losing his place in the race for places, with Eric Garcia increasingly favoring the right side of defence.
This situation alerted the clubs in England, where Kounde has been highly regarded for years.
Chelsea and Arsenal are currently thought to be the strongest interested parties, but Liverpool and United remain in talks.
GOAL also reported that Barcelona are waiting for an offer they will find difficult to refuse.
Kounde can solve problems for Liverpool and United
Kounde’s versatility is an obvious attraction for Liverpool.
They are still planning for the long-term future of their defence, with his ability to cover both right-back and centre-back providing valuable comfort to Andoni Iraola.
United’s interest is somewhat different. They valued several defensive targets and Kounde will immediately bring experience, athleticism and composure to a backline that is still in flux.
The issue for both clubs is price. Barcelona are not desperate to sell, which means any deal would likely have to be substantial.
“Chelsea” and “Arsenal” will increase this number even more.
Kounde is also not believed to be actively forcing an exit, so this is far from an outright transfer.
However, if his reduced role continues, the situation could change rapidly. Liverpool and United both need defensive quality and a player of Kounde’s experience is rarely available without serious competition.
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