Manchester United could renew their interest in Sevilla central-defender Jules Kounde ahead of next summer's transfer window.
That is according to Spanish media outlet Fichajes — who report that United are 'considering' a fresh move for the Frenchman after previously being linked with him during the summer before landing Raphael Varane from Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid.
Chelsea were also very much interested in securing Kounde's signature, so much so that for a period of time towards the end of the summer window it looked as though they would get a deal over the line.
However, Sevilla moved the goalposts in regards to their valuation of the 22-year-old at the last moment, bringing an end to Chelsea's aspirations of adding him to their ranks before the window closed.
Currently, United are facing something of a central-defensive headache, with both Harry Maguire and Varane sidelined through injury.
Kounde has a release clause of £68million in his contract and is likely to attract interest from Chelsea again next summer. The Frenchman is under contract at Sevilla until the summer of 2024.
Elsewhere, Barcelona and Italian giants AC Milan will be at the 'front of the queue' to sign Jesse Lingard next summer if he leaves Old Trafford on a free transfer, a report by the Daily Mail claims.
Lingard, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham United, is out-of-contract at the end of the season and uncertainty currently surrounds his future.
The Hammers wanted to sign the England international on a permanent basis during the summer but United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was keen to retain his services.
Lingard has shown glimpses as to why in recent weeks, scoring two goals in his last two Premier League appearances, meaning he could soon be pushing for a starting berth.
However, if he does not decide to commit his future to United, interest from abroad is reportedly already mounting, with Lingard able to discuss pre-contract agreements with non-English clubs from January.
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