Tottenham Hotspur have allegedly joined the competition to acquire Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde, as Antonio Conte aims to bolster his back line even more for the next season. Chelsea and PSG are reported to be leading the race, but Tottenham might provide an option while allowing certain players who are judged surplus to requirements to leave.
According to The Mirror, Tottenham has expressed interest in Kounde this summer.
Tottenham have been particularly active in the transfer market this summer, signing Richarlison and Yves Bissouma for a combined fee of £90 million, while also signing Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster on free transfers.
They’ve also signed Clement Lenglet on loan from Barcelona, and a deal for Middlesbrough star Djed Spence is said to be ‘imminent’.
But one area they’re still aiming to improve is the centre of their defence, as Conte aims to relieve the pressure on Ben Davies and Eric Dier with a new signing.
Due to continued interest, Tottenham have set a £76m price tag on Kounde, but while Tottenham aren’t as willing to throw money around as PSG, they may give players in exchange!
Tottenham’s pre-season vacation to Korea features four conspicuous absences, as Conte looks to downsize the team and balance the budgets ahead of the new season.
They might, though, utilise any monies obtained to recruit a new center-back or even drive down the price by offering players.
Conte has left Giovani Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele, Sergio Reguilon, and Harry Winks in London, making it obvious who is in his plans for the season ahead.
After spending last season on loan with the Yellow Submarine, Lo Celso was set to join Villarreal this summer, but a deal has fallen through.
The Argentine midfielder is no stranger to Spain, having previously played for Real Betis, and he may be of interest to Sevilla. Reguilon, who may have fallen out of favour under Conte, is still highly regarded in Spain.
Reguilon’s contract includes a buy-back provision with Real Madrid, but if Los Blancos reject the defender, Sevilla might step in. Conte is also looking to offload Ndombele, who never recovered from his dramatic antics against Morecambe in the FA Cup, which saw him rush into the tunnel.
Conte’s philosophy is recognised for its tenacity and intensity, although the Frenchman has been known to underperform at times. There is still a fantastic talent in there, and a transfer to Sevilla might see him imitate La Liga hero Steven N’Zonzi.
Finally, Harry Winks is set to finally leave Tottenham after spending his whole career at the club.
