Manchester United, Chelsea handed boost in signing La Liga defender

Manchester United and Chelsea have been handed a boost in signing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde ahead of the summer transfer window.

Kounde has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, and he has now opened the possibility of leaving Sevilla.

Speaking in a press conference on Friday, Kounde accepted that he may have to leave the Andalusian outfit this summer.

The Frenchman added that he wants to progress with a big club, with the opportunity to win regular trophies in his career.

United are looking for a left-footed centre-back to partner Harry Maguire, and Kounde is one of the top targets alongside Pau Torres.

Meanwhile, the Blues are also aiming to bolster the central defensive department with the uncertain futures of three players.

Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta have their contracts expiring in June 2022. No contract talks have been held.

Kounde won't come on the cheap for the duo. Sevilla may want the player's €80m release clause to be paid in full.