Chelsea face losing out on top transfer target as Manchester United begin frantic search for defender

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s brief respite from being the Premier League’s most under-pressure manager is over almost as quickly as it began.

The Norwegian was believed to be on the verge of being sacked by Manchester United after a humiliating 5-0 defeat at home to arch rivals Liverpool a fortnight ago, but a shock 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur the following week eased the pressure on him a little.

Instead, Spurs parted ways with Nuno Espirito Santo in the wake of the defeat, while Solskjaer lived to fight another day.

The Red Devils’ change of fortunes didn’t last very long, however, as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to neighbours Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, a result that flattered Solskjaer’s side.

With Raphael Varane out injured, Solskjaer opted to field a back-three of Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire, but it didn’t take long for Pep Guardiola’s side to highlight United’s defensive frailties.

Bailly’s own goal gave City an early lead, before Bernardo Silva doubled it shortly before the interval.

Guardiola’s side could have run riot though, and a 2-0 victory certainly flattered the home side.

Now, it appears that Solskjaer has already begun his search for defensive reinforcements, in the hope that January acquisitions could help to save his season.

As per AS via The Express, United are considering meeting Sevilla defender Jules Kounde’s £69 million release clause, and potentially hijacking Chelsea’s move for the player.

Kounde was part of France’s squad for Euro 2020

The report says that Sevilla are wary of United’s potential interest for the player, who would be a huge miss if he were to depart in January.

The Frenchman, who shone in La Liga last term, was heavily linked with the European Champions throughout the summer but a move never materialised.

Now, it appears that United could fork out the player’s release clause in an attempt to solidify their leaky defence.

The Blues had numerous offers for the player rebuffed one the summer, the highest of which was believed to be valued at around £42.5 million.

Kounde admitted his interest in joining the Blues, having turned down an approach from Tottenham, but it is unknown whether Thomas Tuchel’s side will renew their interest when the window reopens in January.

Chelsea are currently facing the prospect of losing Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen in the summer, as all three players’ contracts are due to expire.

United, meanwhile, will be on the lookout for a defender, and Kounde could be the ideal candidate.

The Frenchman has played his part in six clean sheets during the ten matches that he has featured in so far this season, and Sevilla currently find themselves second in the La Liga table.