Manchester United handed transfer opportunity as Barcelona change Jules Kounde stance

Barcelona have changed their stance on Manchester United-linked Jules Kounde, with the LaLiga giants now open to selling the defender.

United have endured problems at centre-back throughout this season, with Raphael Varane struggling to replicate his earlier form and doubts over Harry Maguire’s future at Old Trafford. The extent of the club’s injury issues have been demonstrated by veteran centre-back Jonny Evans becoming a first team regular, making 17 appearances overall.

Kounde, 25, joined Barcelona in 2022 and played a key part in the club’s La Liga triumph last season. United were tentatively linked with a move for the France international in the summer and reports in Spain have raised questions about his long-term future at the Camp Nou.

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Manager Xavi has continued to rely upon Kounde, who has featured 26 times this term, but Spanish outlet Sport has claimed that there is an ‘enormous concern’ about the player's recent form among the club hierarchy and coaching staff. Kounde was at fault for two goals in Barcelona’s recent Copa del Rey defeat to Athletic Bilbao, though this can probably be attributed to fatigue, given that he has already started seven games in 2024.

However, the report states that Kounde is ‘no longer untouchable’ and explains that the Catalan club could listen to offers for the former Sevilla man, as well as teammate Andreas Christensen. No fee is mentioned but Kounde was signed for around €50m (£42.5m) in 2022.

United are known to be weighing up centre-back targets. The Manchester Evening News reported last year that Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond