Manchester United are ‘working’ to make Sevilla lower their demands for Jules Koundé, who is their first choice defensive target this summer.
That’s according to Grand Hotel Calciomercato, the new website for Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio.
They report that Manchester United have started to work on the transfer market and the ‘casting has already begun’ for a new centre-back.
Koundé is at the top of their wishlist, having established himself as one of the best centre-backs in La Liga and Europe over the last two seasons.
They have contacted Sevilla and ‘asked for information’ ahead of a possible move, but the Spanish club want a ‘very high’ figure: €65m.
That is a figure that is ‘justified’ by several factors, but primarily his performances this year and the fact his current contract runs until 2024.
Those demands have not yet put off Manchester United, who, despite considering the price ‘excessive’, have kept Koundé as their ‘first-choice.’
They are working to make Sevilla lower their demands, but in case they are not able to do so, they are ready to turn to other players to get the centre-back and partner for Harry Maguire that they want.
Whether they will be able to bring Sevilla’s demands down isn’t mentioned, but the Spanish club are tough negotiators and even turned down €55m from Manchester City last summer.
That showed they will only sell at a price they are comfortable with, meaning Manchester United are likely to have a fight on their hands in any negotiations.
