Manchester United have reportedly added Sevilla's Jules Kounde to their shortlist of centre-back targets.
The Red Devils were linked with a new central defender throughout the summer transfer window but ultimately focused on other areas of their team, bringing in Donny van de Beek, Edinson Cavani, Alex Telles and Facundo Pellistri.
However, after conceding 11 goals in their opening three Premier League games, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is understood to be considering further additions in the January window.
ESPN reports that Kounde, who was heavily linked with a move to city rivals Manchester City during the summer, has been added to United's wish list when the window reopens.
However, Sevilla demanded the Frenchman's full £82m release clause during negotiations with Man City and are unlikely to lower their asking price during mid-season talks with United.
The report claims that United will need to offload two of their current centre-backs before they can begin discussions, with Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo deemed surplus to requirements after being left out of the squad for the Champions League group stages.
United have also been linked with Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly as a centre-back option.
Barney Corkhill
