Barcelona signing Jules Kounde has revealed he held follow-up conversations with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola this summer over a proposed transfer to the Etihad Stadium.
Kounde, 23, attracted interest from several top European sides before settling on the rejuvenated Catalan giants. Kounde, who progressed through the Bordeaux ranks before moving to Sevilla three years ago, cost Barca around £46million as City later swooped for Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund to bolster their defensive ranks.
Akanji signed on deadline day to add to Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake and John Stones. As for Kounde, meanwhile, he was told City would have to sell players before potentially making the move for his sought-after signature.
He claims to have spoken with Guardiola this summer after initially discussing a switch with the City manager two years ago. READ MORE: De Bruyne slams Grealish critics Kounde was pressed on interest from City and Chelsea during an interview with French publication L'Equipe.