Liverpool are expected to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde ahead of Chelsea, according to El Nacional.
The Blues have been linked with the French defender for some time. Last summer, they even made a bid for him. The Spanish club, though, turned it down. Now it looks that one of their Premier League opponents is interested in acquiring the defender.
According to sources, Kounde has a £68.5 million release clause, which the Merseysiders are willing to meet. For the time being, it is unknown whether the London side will match that sum.
The Frenchman moved to Sevilla from Bordeaux in 2019 for a rumoured €25 million fee. Since then, he has made 113 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish club. Last year, he earned his France debut in a friendly against Wales.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, in addition to the two Premier League clubs, were said to be interested in signing Kounde. If he joins Liverpool, he may create a dangerous defensive tandem with Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool and Chelsea are vying for a place in the EFL Cup final.
On Wednesday, Chelsea will play Tottenham Hotspur in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They are currently the favourites to qualify for the final after winning the first leg 2-0.
Due to injuries and a covid outbreak in their camp, Liverpool's opening leg versus Arsenal was postponed. As a result, their encounter on Thursday will serve as the first leg, and it will be held at Anfield.
The final will be held on February 27th at Wembley Stadium in London.
Liverpool and Chelsea are both missing key players due to the African Cup of Nations. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Naby Keita for the Reds, and Edouard Mendy for the Blues. The Gunners, on the other hand, are missing key players like Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, and Nicolas Pepe due to AFCON. Spurs are untouched by the African competition, but Heung-Min Son is injured and will miss the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, in the Premier League, the Blues will face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. On Sunday, Liverpool will face Brentford.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0