Tottenham Hotspur are surprisingly ‘front of the queue’ to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this summer as Chelsea close in Kalidou Koulibaly – and Sergio Reguilon could help, by making him an affordable target.
Kounde, 23, is regarded as one of the best central defenders in Europe, let alone La Liga. A player that has produced some incredible defensive displays for Sevilla, both domestically and on the European scene.
It is reported that Kounde wants to join Barcelona. But Chelsea and Newcastle were willing to pay the £76million required. Barca are unable to afford him, as they close in on deals for Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.
However, a move to Newcastle is unlikely to appeal – while The Mirror state that Chelsea are closing in on Koulibaly. That means Tottenham are now in pole position, as per the report. Reguilon could give them a helping hand.
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Tottenham front of queue for Kounde: Reguilon could help
The issue over a move for Kounde is that his release clause of £76million is the fee Sevilla want for his services. It would be Tottenham’s club record move – far more expensive than that of Richarlison or Tanguy Ndombele.
Spurs need to bring that fee down, if they are to realistically strike a deal for Kounde. That is where Reguilon steps in. Left home by Antonio Conte, the Spaniard’s future at Spurs is pretty certain – he is likely to leave this summer.
Reports state that Sevilla are in talks to land the ex-Real Madrid player – a player they had on loan before he joined Spurs. It is unclear how much Spurs would want for a player they bought for £27million.
Spurs may have to accept a small hit on Reguilon. But with Sevilla keen on Reguilon, he could be included in a deal. Perhaps, an offer of £50million plus Reguilon might just tempt Sevilla into accepting Kounde’s departure.
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