Transfer Talk: Man United, Chelsea circling Barca’s Koundé
Credit to Author: Adam Brown| Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2024 20:57:50 EST
Gab Marcotti says Erik ten Hag should think carefully when talking about Manchester United’s numbers to avoid opening up a can of worms. (2:25)
We still have some time before the summer transfer window reopens in Europe, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
Barcelona centre-back Jules Koundé is on the radar of Manchester United and Chelsea, according to Sport.
Both clubs are reported to be “very interested” in the 25-year-old, who could be available for transfer with the Blaugrana set to assess their options in defence this summer.
Kounde has been a key player for Barca this season, but there is belief that sporting director Deco could need to move players on before making any signings to help the club stay in line with Financial Fair Play rules.
Chelsea are reportedly on the lookout for a new centre-back, having recently been linked with Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, while a rebuild of manager Erik ten Hag’s squad is expected to take place at Old Trafford in the summer.
Kounde’s preference is reported to be to remain at Barcelona, though he has indicated that he would prefer to play in his natural position at centre-back. Barca are also set to make decisions over the future of Clément Lenglet, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa, as well as Andreas Christensen and Eric García.
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– Liverpool and Juventus are in the race for Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, reports Gazzetta dello Sport. The Bianconeri are said to be planning to make a move quickly for the 26-year-old after the Reds expressed their interest, with the Serie A club hopeful of adding reinforcements to midfield amid uncertainty over the contract situations of Adrien Rabiot and United States international Weston McKennie.
– Bayern Munich are interested in signing VfB Stuttgart winger Chris Führich, writes Bild. It is reported that the Bundesliga club see the 26-year-old as a potential alternative to Leroy Sané, with uncertainty continuing to surround the former Manchester City winger’s contract situation. Führich has registered seven goals and seven assists in 25 league matches this season, with form that saw him earn his senior international debut for Germany in October.
– Three rival Serie A teams are leading the race to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. AC Milan, Internazionale and Juventus are all reported to be keen on the 22-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich. Zirkzee is rumoured to be available for around €40 million.
– Talks are set to take place between Paris Saint-Germain and right-back Achraf Hakimi, reveals Nicolo Schira. PSG are believed to be hopeful of reaching an agreement over a new four-year contract that would see the 25-year-old secured at the Parc des Princes until the summer of 2028. Hakimi has remained a key player for the Ligue 1 club this season, having contributed to seven goals in 19 league matches.
– Union Berlin centre-back Diogo Leite is continuing to be monitored by Bayer Leverkusen, reports Rudy Galetti. Despite being contracted at the club until 2026, it is believed that the Bundesliga club could be willing to let him go if they receive the right offer, and Leverkusen are preparing to step up their interest in the 25-year-old.