Transfer Talk: City line up Kounde as Ake heads back to Blues

Manchester City are lining up a move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde as a replacement for Nathan Ake, who is poised to join Chelsea.

France international Kounde, 23, is known to be a long-term target of the Blues, with a Stamford Bridge switch falling through last summer.

But the West Londoners now look to be favouring a move for former academy star Ake, which could see City swoop for Kounde to fill the gap the Dutchman would leave.

The Mail say Pep Guardiola’s outfit are monitoring the Sevilla man’s situation, though interest from fellow LaLiga side Barcelona could spark a bidding war.

While the Blaugrana are unable to compete with the financial might of City, their offer to include forward Memphis Depay in any deal is reported to have them leading the race.

The Rojiblancos are hoping to command a sizeable fee for their prized asset as they look to rebuild their defence following fellow defender Diego Carlos’ move to Aston Villa earlier this summer.

Alongside Ake’s arrival, Chelsea are also closing in on the signing of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

And the Guardian say their defensive recruitment will not stop there, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe also of interest.

It is conceivable that all three targets could join before the new season with boss Thomas Tuchel already losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers, while Cesar Azpilicueta’s future is also uncertain.

In other news

Everton have been told Wolves will accept a £10million offer for winger Adama Traore, according to Football Insider.

Marca say Wayne Rooney’s DC United have joined the list of MLS and Premier League clubs interested in free agent Jesse Lingard, who left Manchester United last month.

Former team-mate Juan Mata could join Leeds, with AS reporting that the West Yorkshire club are lining up a move for the 34-year-old Spaniard.