Manchester City enter race for Chelsea defensive target

Manchester City have reportedly joined Chelsea in the race to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

Kounde was the Blues' prime centre-back target last summer, but they failed to negotiate a suitable transfer fee.

Sevilla wanted around £55m for his services, but the west London giants were reluctant to offer more than £40m.

They are likely to return for him next summer, but Marca claims that the Cityzens have now joined the pursuit.

The Mancunian giants are assessing their options at the heart of the defence amid the uncertainty over two centre-backs.

Aymeric Laporte was regularly linked with Barcelona last summer, and the Catalan giants could make a fresh move.

Meanwhile, Nathan Ake is on the radar of Newcastle United following their takeover from a Saudi-led consortium.

There is the possibility that both players could head for the exit door in the summer. Kounde could replace one of them.

Chelsea agreed personal terms with Kounde last year, but may face a tough task of convincing him with City now keen.