Jules Kounde is determined to leave Sevilla but has no interest in completing a move to Tottenham this summer, according to reports in Spain.
Newly-appointed Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo is looking to strengthen his options at centre-back for the forthcoming campaign and Kounde had been placed at the top of the club’s shortlist of targets.
The 22-year-old is regarded as one of the finest young defenders in European football following an outstanding debut season with Sevilla and his eye-catching performances at the heart of Julen Lopetegui’s defence have also caught the attention of Chelsea and Manchester United.
Earlier this week, there had been rumours that Spurs and Sevilla had reached an agreement for Kounde which would have seen the north London outfit part with €30million plus Davinson Sanchez for the France international.
But Marca claim Kounde has informed Tottenham that he does not want to join them as he is instead holding out for a switch to a team competing in the Champions League.
The report indicates Nuno had hoped Kounde would be open to a fresh challenge in England but Spurs will have to turn their attentions to other targets, with Bologna’s Takehiro Tomiyasu and Lyon’s Joachim Andersen also linked in recent weeks.
It’s understood Sevilla would be prepared sell Kounde should they receive an offer of around €65-70m (£55-60m) for their prized possession before the summer transfer window closes.
Kounde, who made one appearance for France at Euro 2020, has made no secret of his desire to leave Sevilla, recently admitting that he ‘might have to move’ in order to fulfil his lofty ambitions.
‘Regarding my future, it’s certain that I will perhaps have to change clubs this summer,’ he told reporters ahead of France’s Euros campaign.
‘But nothing has been finalised yet. I have not decided anything.
‘My goal is to play for a big club, to try to always progress and to win trophies.
‘It’s true that I might have to move but that’s not relevant today.’
Kounde’s centre-back partner at Sevilla, Diego Carlos, is confident his team-mate would not look out of place if he went on to join an elite European club this summer.
‘He has quality and he can play for great European clubs,’ the Brazilian said.
‘He is a young player who can still improve over time, he has got great qualities, he is very strong and I am sure he can play for a big club as a great defender.
‘We have good communication on and off the pitch and we have a good relationship.
‘To have a strong defence, we also need all the other players to help us and we can help them to attack so Kounde really looks to attack too and like all the other midfielders, we all help each other and we are a good team in attack and defence.’
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