Manchester United have reportedly touched base with Barcelona to enquire about a move for French defender Jules Kounde.
Having burst onto the scene with Sevilla, winning the Europa League title in the 2019-20 season, Kounde was soon courted by several top clubs across Europe.
The 24-year-old was widely expected to join Chelsea last summer, but the Blues could not come to an agreement with Sevilla, who instead sold him to Barca in a €50m (£43.5m) deal.
Kounde has been a regular fixture in Xavi's team during his debut season at Camp Nou, making 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and setting up six more in that time to help La Blaugrana win La Liga and the Supercopa de Espana.
The versatile France international has been deployed both as a centre-back and right-back this season, but Barcelona will attempt to bolster their full-back ranks this summer, which could impact Kounde's chances of regular starts next term.
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According to AS - via the Manchester Evening News - Man United could try to take advantage of the situation and have made contact with Barcelona to discuss a possible summer move.
The report claims that Xavi cannot guarantee Kounde a regular starting role in the 2023-24 season, and Barcelona may be open to bids for the defender in order to balance the books.
Kounde's ability to play both in the heart of defence and out wide supposedly makes him an attractive prospect for Erik ten Hag, who may also in the market for a new right-back.
However, the former Bordeaux youngster has already affirmed that he has no desire to leave Barcelona this season, and Xavi has also played down talk of a possible exit.
Kounde is also under contract at Camp Nou for another four years, but a substantial bid could still twist Barca's arm as they attempt to raise funds for a reunion with Lionel Messi.
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Man United boss Ten Hag has deployed both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot at right-back during the 2022-23 season, while the former has also started on the left-hand side on occasions.
Back in December, the Red Devils activated an extension in Dalot's contract to keep him at the club until 2024, and the Portugal international is now thought to be close to signing a new long-term deal.
Meanwhile, Wan-Bissaka has also reignited his career at Old Trafford under Ten Hag, but his terms are also up at the end of next season, albeit with an option to extend until 2025.
A return to Crystal Palace has been mooted for the 25-year-old, who is also believed to be on the radar of West Ham United, but he is now thought to be more likely to stay at Old Trafford.
As well as Kounde, Man United are understood to be tracking Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, while Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard is another name under consideration.
Ben Knapton
