Tottenham in direct talks with agents of Jules Kounde claims Fabrizio Romano

Speaking on Chris Cowlin’s YouTube channel, reputed journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Tottenham are very much interested in signing Jules Kounde and are in talks with his representatives.

Kounde came through the ranks at French club Bordeaux and made the switch to Sevilla in 2019. The 22-year-old was one of the Spanish outfit’s best players in his debut season as they went on to win the 2019/20 UEFA Europa League. He followed it up with yet another strong campaign in 2020/21 earning himself a call-up to the French national team for the Euro 2020.

Tottenham have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old Frenchman in recent weeks with La Colina de Nervion (h/t Express) claiming that the club was already planning an offer for Kounde.

Now, Romano has doubled down on the story, insisting that the interest in Kounde from the Lilywhites is genuine with talks already being held with his agent as well as Sevilla. However, the journo adds that the club realises a deal would be difficult to close.

“It’s true that they had direct contact with his agent. Kounde is really appreciated by Paratici, he thinks he’s one of the best centre-backs he could sign for Tottenham. They are in talks with Sevilla about the price because 80 million euros is not going to be paid by any club this summer.

“The realistic value is around 40 or 50 million Euros. We will see if Tottenham can find a deal with the club and also the player, because at the moment there is not a lot of optimism about this deal.”

More Tottenham Hotspur News:

• Tottenham ready to offer £50m for Jules Kounde; Milan Skriniar lined up as Plan B
• Transfer News: Tottenham joined by Arsenal in pursuit of Takehiro Tomiyasu
• Tottenham transfer target Jannik Vestergaard valued at €20m by Southampton

Kounde, if signed, can be a magnificent piece of business for Tottenham. However, it seems like there is not a lot of confidence that a deal can be worked out at this moment. Spurs are in need of a long-term replacement for Toby Alderweireld and the Frenchman would be an ideal fit. It is up to Fabio Paratici and co. to do everything possible to get their man.