Manchester United are reportedly looking to ‘replace’ Harry Maguire with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
Maguire has endured a nightmare start to the new season and has attracted strong criticism following his loss of form since Euro 2020, with the Red Devils’ club captain some way short of his best performances during the season’s opening weeks.
The 28-year-old sent a message to his critics after scoring in England’s 5-0 win over Albania on Friday evening, putting his fingers in his ears during the celebrations at Wembley.
Maguire has been an almost ever-present in the United side since making an £80m move from Leicester two seasons ago, though Todofichajes are reporting that the club are considering replacing the centre-back and making a move for Kounde.
Kounde has been linked with several of Europe’s elite since his breakthrough with the La Liga side, with Chelsea having been interested in signing the France international last summer, before Sevilla’s failure to find a replacement ended hopes of a deal.
It does appear unlikely that any signing of Kounde would come at the cost of Maguire leaving Old Trafford, however, given the cost involved with signing the England defender and his status as club captain.
Maguire’s move to the club also came at a world-record cost for a defender, a sum the Red Devils would struggle to recoup given the defender’s current form and the financial situation of major clubs across Europe.
United’s priorities appear to be elsewhere at present with the signing of a defensive midfielder believed to be the priority of the club’s recruitment team.
