Manchester United have reportedly contacted Barcelona about the availability of defender Jules Kounde.
Kounde has been ever-present for Xavi's men this season and has played a crucial role in their La Liga triumph. The 24-year-old is naturally a centre-back but has shown his versatility when featuring as a right-back when needed.
According to AS, Erik ten Hag has been impressed with this aspect of Kounde's game and has now made the first approach to Barca. It is understood Xavi is 'not in a position to guarantee' the Frenchman regular starts next season and Kounde is 'by no means indispensable'.
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The defender's Barcelona contract is due to expire in 2027 thus United would need to pay a substantial fee if they wished to secure his services. Elsewhere, the Reds could be set for further competition in their battle for another defender.
In a report by German media outlet Kicker, Real Madrid are set to challenge United for Bayern Munich star Benjamin Pavard. The 27-year-old's contract at the Allianz Arena is set to expire in 2024 and it is tipped the right-back is set to leave the club this year so as to avoid him going on a free in a year's time.
It is understood Bayern, United and Liverpool are all interested in the Frenchman and have made contact with Bayern to enquire about his availability. All three clubs may end up being disappointed though.
Since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, Pavard has enjoyed regular minutes and this could persuade him to extend his stay in Bavaria.
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