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Report: Chelsea stunned as £80m-rated star wants Manchester United move

Lee Clarke

Tue 19 October 2021 9:45, UK

Chelsea have been rocked by Jules Kounde with claiming that the Sevilla defender has his heart set on a move to Manchester United.

The central defender almost joined the Blues during the summer. Instead, he chose to stay at Sevilla but looks likely to move in the future.

Kounde was recently rewarded with a call-up to the France squad as Les Bleus won the UEFA Nations League.

Chelsea saw a bid of £43 million rejected in the summer. The club were prepared to go higher, although they ultimately decided to wait.

That now looks like an error of judgement, with the player now keen to move to Old Trafford.

Sevilla value Kounde at around and that is naturally deterring a lot of clubs from making a move.

News of a desire to join United will shock Chelsea. They will hope to sign a new central defender in the coming windows and Kounde would have been ideal.

Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva are both out of contract in the summer and that leaves Thomas Tuchel with a problem.

The Kounde is young, great in possession of the ball and is regarded as one of Europe’s most sought-after players.

His team-mate Diego Carlos called him in March and clearly, he thinks he’s destined for greatness.

Potential star: Kounde decision is big blow for Chelsea

Although it’s not yet dead in the water, this will represent a big blow for Chelsea if Kounde does get the green light to join Manchester United.

At 22, Kounde will be extremely sought-after and perhaps Chelsea will rue not signing him last summer.

He looks destined for greatness and despite his tender years, he’s already made 97 appearances for the La Liga outfit.

Chelsea could be short of defenders at the end of the season and they must compile another list of central defenders and start pursuing them instead.