Manchester United are edging closer to signing Raphael Varane, but remain interested in bringing in Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde as well this summer.
The latest reports suggest Varane could move to Old Trafford in the coming days, with a seemingly bargain price of £39m agreed with Real Madrid.
With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer usually fielding two centre-backs, it was assumed that Varane was being brought in to partner captain Harry Maguire in the heart of defence.
While that may still be the case, the Daily Mail report that United will not end their spending with the Real Madrid man, also looking to bring in Kounde from Sevilla during this transfer window.
The Red Devils have already seen an offer for Kounde rebuffed this summer, with the La Liga side turning down a bid worth around £38m as they hope for closer to £56m for the Frenchman.
While United retain an interest in Kounde, they are unlikely to meet that asking price and the defender may find a switch to Old Trafford less appealing if he is not guaranteed a place in the starting line-up.
The France international has made 157 professional appearances at just 22-years-old, becoming a regular for Bordeaux before his switch to Sevilla in 2019.
The likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been linked with a move for Kounde, although he has made it clear that he is not interested in a switch to Spurs as he waits for a Champions League move.
He has made no secret of the fact that he wants a move to a bigger club, telling reporters ahead of Euro 2020: ‘Regarding my future, it’s certain that I will perhaps have to change clubs this summer.
‘But nothing has been finalised yet. I have not decided anything.
‘My goal is to play for a big club, to try to always progress and to win trophies.
‘It’s true that I might have to move but that’s not relevant today.’
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