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Manchester United Identify £68m Replacement For Harry Maguire And Are Prepared To 'Activate His Release Clause'

Manchester United Identify £68m Replacement For Harry Maguire And Are Prepared To 'Activate His Release Clause'

Harry Maguire has been heavily criticised this season for his performances, with Manchester United turning their eye to Jules Kounde.

Manchester United are prepared to make a sensational move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde as a potential replacement for Harry Maguire, according to reports.

The Red Devils smashed the world-record transfer fee for a defender when they signed Maguire from Leicester City in an £80m deal in 2019.

Maguire was promoted to United captain in January 2020 after Ashley Young’s transfer to Inter Milan.

The 28-year-old centre-back has been a crucial part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans at Old Trafford, but his form for United has dropped significantly this season.

Maguire, who recovered from a calf injury early in the season, was blamed for his mistakes against Leicester and Liverpool.

And the United skipper was slammed for his defensive errors against Atalanta in the Red Devils’ 3-2 comeback win at Old Trafford in October.

PA

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According to Todofichajes, United are eyeing up Kounde and may be willing to make a move for him in the January transfer window.

The Red Devils are keen to rectify their fragile defence and have identified the 23-year-old French centre-back as a new defensive partner for summer signing Raphael Varane.

Varane, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, arrived at Old Trafford alongside fellow signings Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.

Kounde is under contract with Sevilla until 2024, but the La Liga club will play hardball with United over the transfer fee.

PA

The France international was linked with Chelsea in the summer and appeared close to completing a move to Stamford Bridge.

However, Sevilla kept hold of Kounde for the current La Liga season after Chelsea refused to meet their £68m (€80m) asking price.

Kounde, who has also been linked with Barcelona, has since admitted that his failed move to Chelsea affected him.

“Yes, a little bit, but now I’ve dealt with it,” he told Telefoot.

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PA

United are reportedly weighing up the possibility of meeting the Spanish side’s demands by triggering Kounde’s release clause, which is believed to be £68m.

The Red Devils were outclassed by Manchester City in a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford ahead of the international break.

United are sixth in the Premier League and are five points adrift from the top four, with pressure mounting on the under-fire Solskjaer.

The Red Devils will return to Premier League action on 20th November against Watford at Vicarage Road.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Manchester United, Sevilla, Premier League, England, La Liga, Spain, Football, Harry Maguire, Jules Kounde