Sevilla fear that Manchester United could be planning a swoop for defender Jules Kounde in January, according to reports in Spain.
The LaLiga club knocked back a £42.5million offer from Chelsea for the Frenchman in the summer, demanding the Blues met their £69m asking price.
But Thomas Tuchel reportedly still holds an interest in the centre-back and Chelsea have shortlisted Kounde alongside Matthijs De Ligt as potential new centre-back options for next year.
Sevilla are now worried they could lose Kounde in the upcoming transfer window but it is Chelsea’s Premier League rivals United who are causing the concern.
The Red Devils could swoop in to beat Chelsea to Kounde’s signature as they look to solve their own problems in defence, according to AS.
Summer signing Raphael Varane’s start to life at Old Trafford has been blighted by injury, while Harry Maguire’s struggles have continued.
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According to the report, United, who currently sit sixth after four defeats, are monitoring the defender and could meet Sevilla’s demands.
Meanwhile, Chelsea will be eager to bolster their defensive ranks with Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen set to leave the club at the end of the season when their contracts expire, unless the Blues can tie them down to fresh deals.
But Tuchel has refused to confirm that Chelsea will return for the same players they targeted in summer.
