Manchester United are not prepared to pay Sevilla defender Jules Kounde’s £68m buyout clause, according to reports in the English media.

The Red Devils reportedly scouted the Frenchman when Sevilla played Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League last 16 tie last week but it seems they are currently unwilling to meet the defender’s asking price.

Sevilla sporting director Monchi stated when he rejected a bid from Manchester City for Kounde in the summer that they were unwilling to let the 22-year-old leave for below what they believe he is worth.

Whether the Spanish club’s reluctance to sell will see United move on to other targets, we shall have to wait and see. In terms of alternatives, RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate is being watched by club scouts, while Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic and Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings have also come under consideration.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be very keen to find a centre-back partner for Harry Maguire, with United having conceded 32 goals in 25 league games so far this season.