Whilst Manchester United remain interested in Sevilla defender Jules Koundé, they are unwilling to meet his £68 million release clause.
And, if the Spanish club are not willing to budge on his valuation, then they may be forced to turn elsewhere.
The 22-year-old is regarded as one of the best centre-back prospects in Europe, and Manchester City attempted to sign him last summer. Instead, they turned their attention to Benfica’s Rúben Dias who has proved to be a shrewd purchase.
United remain keen on finding a long-term defensive partner for Harry Maguire and had identified Koundé as an ideal candidate to fulfil that role.
With football finances still stretched because of the Covid0-19 pandemic, United, like many clubs, have revised down their budget when it comes to transfer targets, and do not envisage paying the sort of money demanded by Sevilla for a centre-back.
They are also unlikely to revive their interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.
