Tottenham Hotspur were willing to pay £50 million for France international Jules Kounde but, according to La Colina de Nervion, Sevilla are demanding closer to £70 million.
It’s fair to say Kounde’s one and only outing at Euro 2020 failed to reveal the talented centre-half in the best light.
The 22-year-old struggled in an unfamiliar right-back role during France’s 2-2 group-stage draw with Portugal. Kounde gave away a penalty for handball and was dropped to the bench for the fateful last-16 clash with Switzerland.
If Didier Deschamps had his time again, however, the World Cup-winning manager would surely consider dropping Clement Lenglet to the bench against the Swiss in favour of a man who outshone the bumbling Barcelona defender throughout the 2020/21 La Liga season.
When fielded in his natural position, Kounde is a centre-half already on the verge of world class – dominant in the air, positionally perfect and brilliant with the ball at his feet.
How much would Tottenham pay for Kounde?
Kounde exploded on to the scene as Sevilla added another Europa League title to their collection last year and has only enhanced his reputation in the past 12 months.
Manchester City failed with a big-money bid in summer 2020 and, according to reports from Spain, another Premier League giant has come calling in this transfer window.
A £50 million offer would have made Kounde the second most-expensive signing in Spurs’ history, behind Tanguy Ndombele.
Sevilla want closer to £70 million, however, meaning the former Bordeaux youngster is likely to be out of reach unless Tottenham cash in on Harry Kane – and that’s not something Daniel Levy is keen to do.
The report suggests Tottenham could now turn to Milan Skriniar – the Inter Milan defender they tried and failed to sign throughout Jose Mourinho’s time in north London. Meanwhile, Alessio Romagnoli, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Leonardo Bonucci have all been linked in recent weeks.
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