INEOS sees Jules Kounde as an ideal addition to a depleted defense amid Barcelona’s precarious financial situation

Manchester United fans are preparing for the first-ever transfer window under new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Wholesale changes are expected to be made across the squad and hierarchy, with the latter already undergoing a significant overhaul, with the likes of Sir Dave Brailsford, Omar Berrada and Jean-Claude Blanc involved in the project.

A concrete decision on Erik ten Hag’s future on the bench is still yet to be made, amid intense speculation over his potential dismissal. Today’s latest report shows that club bosses are in no rush to draw conclusions and instead want to take the time to analyze the Dutchman’s two seasons before announcing the results to fans.

However, in terms of squad, defensive reinforcements are believed to be high on Ratcliffe’s priority list. The defense team was undoubtedly the area most affected by the season’s crippling injury crisis, and the manager will have significantly fewer options next season due to the expiry of the contracts of Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans.

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United bosses believe they have found the perfect fit

As such, FootballTransfers has revealed that Barcelona’s Jules Kounde, who is valued at just £42m due to the Catalan side’s precarious financial situation, is a reported target for the Red Devils ahead of the transfer window opening next month.

INEOS admires him for his ability to play both as a center and as a right-back, while also boasting a wealth of top-flight and European experience at just 25 years old.

The French international was included in Didier Deschamps’ Euro squad, so any Reds team looking to track the defender can keep up to date with his performances during the tournament in Germany.