Real Madrid are said to be closely monitoring the progress of Sevilla’s 21 year-old centre-back Jules Kounde.
Having made 29 appearances in La Liga this season, Kounde helped Sevilla qualify for next season’s Champions League, as the club finished fourth – just behind Atletico Madrid on goal difference.
The Frenchman formed a formidable centre back partnership with Diego Carlos this season, and their efforts have instrumental in the side boasting the third best defensive record in La Liga, with only Real and Atletico Madrid conceding fewer goals.
This form has reportedly (via ESPN) been noticed by Los Blancos, with Zidane rumoured to be looking to add to his already exceptional backline.
Kounde won’t be cheap however.
The Frenchman has a contract signed until 2024 so they will have to pay a substantial fee to prize him away from Seville – potentially around the £32m mark, especially as he only joined last summer. As well as this fact, Madrid aren’t the only team interested in securing Kounde’s services, with several other big clubs said to be interested in the former Bordeaux man.
As well as Kounde, Real Madrid have also been linked with RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano, whose contract runs out at the end of next season. He has been linked with a number of clubs, including Arsenal and Bayern Munich, recently and should be relatively cheap due to his contract situation – if he doesn’t pen a new deal with his current club.
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