Friday's Manchester United transfer talk news roundup: Tomas Soucek, Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani

The January transfer window has now closed, leaving Manchester United to begin looking forward to the summer for their next round of recruitment.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings from Old Trafford.

Friday morning's Manchester United transfer talk news roundup:

Real Madrid to rival Manchester United for Jules Kounde?

© Reuters

Real Madrid have reportedly identified Sevilla's Jules Kounde as a potential transfer target.

Los Blancos could lose club captain Sergio Ramos on a free transfer this summer, while there is also uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of Raphael Varane.

Zinedine Zidane's side are thought to be the favourites to sign Bayern Munich's David Alaba, but the Spanish champions could potentially be in the market for two new centre-backs.

According to Marca, Kounde is an option for Madrid, with the 22-year-old further enhancing his reputation with a string of impressive performances during the 2020-21 campaign.

The France Under-21s international has scored three times in 30 appearances for the Europa League winners this season, including a goal against Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

Manchester United have allegedly identified Kounde as their leading defensive target, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side said to believe that an offer in the region of £60m could convince Sevilla to sell.

Report: Manchester United keeping tabs on West Ham United's Tomas Soucek

© Reuters

Manchester United are weighing up a summer move for West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek, according to a report.

The Czech Republic international has been a major hit at the London Stadium since joining from Slavia Prague last January, initially on a six-month loan.

Soucek has scored eight goals in the Premier League this term and had played every minute of West Ham's season up until his sending-off against Fulham, which has since been overturned.

Football Insider claims that the 25-year-old's form has not gone unnoticed, with a number of Europe's top clubs keeping tabs.

Man United are said to be one of the sides monitoring Soucek with a view to making a move at the end of the campaign.

The report suggests that strengthening at the back remains the Red Devils' priority in the summer window, but a new central midfielder is also high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's list.

More transfer news from Manchester United:

Mino Raiola: 'Paul Pogba must be left alone'
Mino Raiola says that he will no longer be speaking out on Paul Pogba's future and will work "in the shadows" on the Manchester United midfielder's future. Read more.

Manchester United 'yet to decide on Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata contracts'
Manchester United are yet to make a decision on the futures of Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata, according to a report. Read more.

Agent: 'Ismaila Sarr almost joined Liverpool in January'
Ismaila Sarr came close to joining Liverpool during the January transfer window, according to the Watford attacker's agent. Read more.