BARCELONA are open to selling defender Jules Kounde as they look to fall in line with FFP regulations.
The defender has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Chelsea in the past, and both could be on alert with the defender on the market in January.
United have struggled at centre-back this season, with Raphael Varane’s form seeing him drop to fifth choice at times despite being first pick last year.
Harry Maguire has undergone a career renaissance this season after looking certain to leave last summer – but his future is also unclear.
Lisandro Martinez has also missed most of the season with injury.
The extent of United’s injury issues is dominated by the fact that Jonny Evans, 36, has featured 17 times for the club this season.
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Kounde, 25, joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022 and played an integral part of their title victory last season.
But he has struggled to replicate that form this season, and was responsible for two of the goals Barca shipped in their 4-2 defeat to Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey.
United were tentatively linked with the defender last summer amid rumours he was unsettled at the Camp Nou.
Chelsea were also close to signing Kounde last season, reportedly agreeing a deal to sign the defender last year.
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Ultimately, the player chose Barca, but Chelsea could now make a move for Kounde again.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, there are “enormous concerns” surrounding Kounde’s form.
The report also states that the club would be willing to listen to offers for former Chelsea star Andreas Christensen.
A fee has not been reported but Barcelona signed Kounde for £42.5million and would be looking to recoup as much of that as possible.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
