Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen to sign a new centre-back this summer, according to reports. But despite intensifying links with Napoli’s Kim Min-jae, the Red Devils’ sights could be set on joining Chelsea in the hunt for an alternative target.
Ten Hag reportedly wants to recruit a centre-back, central midfielder and striker at the very least in his second summer transfer window in England.
United have been credited with a strong interest in Kim in recent weeks ahead of his £42million release clause activation period starting in July.
With Harry Maguire widely expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, a right-sided central defender looks to be on the agenda.
And new claims in Spain suggest that United are monitoring Jules Kounde’s situation at Barcelona, which could throw any deal for Kim into doubt.
According to AS, United have ‘made their first move’ by enquiring about Kounde, who wants to play centrally rather than at right-back, a common role at the Nou Camp.
The report claims that Kounde hasn’t outperformed Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen at centre-back when given the chance.
Therefore, Xavi can’t guarantee him minutes in his favoured position, and Barcelona understand that funds raised by selling the 24-year-old could be used to sign an established right-back.
Chelsea have also been strongly linked with Kounde during Todd Boehly’s relentless spending spree in recent transfer windows.
But United have the allure of Champions League football at Old Trafford in their favour next season. Chelsea do not.
Ten Hag’s reported interest in Kounde would make sense, given the M16 giants are also speculated to want fresh blood at right-back.
However, on Thursday, the France international shut down talk of a Barcelona exit this summer.
He wrote on Twitter: “To make it clear: at no time did I ask to go out, so I’m not going anywhere.”
The last thing United will want or need is a repeat of their long-winded Frenkie de Jong pursuit ahead of Ten Hag’s maiden campaign.
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