Barcelona 'keen on summer deal for Jules Kounde'

Barcelona are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this summer.

The Spanish champions are expected to be in the market for at least one new centre-back ahead of the 2020-21 campaign due to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Samuel Umtiti.

According to Sport, Quique Setien's side are admirers of Kounde and could potentially attempt to sign the 21-year-old when this summer's transfer window opens for business.

The former France Under-20 international joined Julen Lopetegui's side from Toulouse last summer and has made 26 appearances for his Spanish club during the current season, contributing two goals in the process.

Barca could allegedly attempt to use Sevilla's interest in Ivan Rakitic to strike a deal for Kounde, who has 19 La Liga outings to his name during the 2019-20 campaign.

The Catalan giants, meanwhile, are said to be closing in on a deal for Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez.