Real Madrid are reportedly set to rival Chelsea and Manchester United to the signing of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
The 22-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge over the summer, and Sevilla president Jose Castro has since revealed that they turned down a £42.5m bid from the Blues, as their offer did not meet the player's £68m release clause.
Man United have recently emerged as a contender for Kounde's signature and the Frenchman is believed to have told his agent to open talks with the Red Devils ahead of a proposed move next summer.
However, according to Real Madrid fan site Defensa Central, Los Blancos are the latest club who are set to step up their pursuit for Kounde in 2022.
Despite recruiting David Alaba on a free transfer over the summer, Real remain in the market for another central defender, after seeing Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane leave the Santiago Bernabeu.
Kounde, who won the UEFA Nations League with France earlier this month, has made 97 appearances across all competitions for Sevilla, and still has three years remaining on his contract.
Oliver Thomas
