Tottenham is the latest team to be linked with a deal for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
Following an outstanding season for Julen Lopetegui's side, the Frenchman, who is estimated to earn around £73,000 per week in Spain, is one of Europe's most sought-after centre-backs.
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According to The Guardian, Spurs have named the 22-year-old one of their key targets this summer, alongside Lyon centre-back Joachim Andersen.
According to the article, Kounde's contract with Sevilla includes a £69 million (€80 million) release clause, although he is anticipated to be sold for significantly less in the coming months.
Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Manchester United have all long admired the defender, who recently assisted Didier Deschamps' club in reaching the Euro 2020 final rounds.
Last month, Kounde shocked Europe's elite by revealing that his future may lie outside of the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
'This summer, I might have to switch clubs.' 'I haven't made any decisions yet,' Kounde said last month.
My ambition is to grow into a great club that is continuously striving to improve and win trophies. To be able to begin each season by telling yourself that your goal is to win a specific trophy. I might have to relocate, but that isn't important right now.'
After making 49 appearances for a team that ended in the Champions League positions, just two points behind Barcelona, Kounde's stock has soared this season.
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Only Atletico Madrid and city rivals Real Madrid conceded fewer league goals than Sevilla in 2020-21, thanks to the France international's good connection with Brazilian Diego Carlos.
'I would say that possibly when I arrived at Sevilla and started playing more and more, particularly with the introduction of the Champions League,' Kounde said when asked when he realized he was becoming a key possibility.
'It's always been something in the back of my mind.' I've always believed in it and worked hard for it. To possess it.
Because of that goal in the sights, I was able to have the performances I did at Sevilla. Thanks also to this club, which has been extremely supportive, and my teammates, who have consistently pushed me.'
Andersen, who spent last season on loan at Fulham, is another target for Spurs. Despite the Cottagers' relegation, the 24-year-old was an outstanding player, and he is now being scouted for a return to the English capital.
The central defender is poised to leave Lyon this summer and wants to return to the English Premier League, with Spurs being linked with a £20 million deal, according to the Evening Standard.
And, while Spurs are making moves in the transfer market, it appears that their search for a new manager may be drawing to an end.
Nuno Espirito Santo is the frontrunner to become the club's new manager, as Sportsmail exclusively revealed on Thursday.
Chairman Daniel Levy and new Football Managing Director Fabio Paratici have now endorsed the Portuguese coach's qualifications, and the Guardian has claimed that negotiations have progressed further on Friday.
This week, Tottenham have been seriously considering the qualities of Brighton manager Graham Potter, while the Evening Standard reports that Steven Gerrard is still on a'standby list,' but it is Nuno's name that is presently being touted most prominently.
Nuno was anticipated to return to his family in Portugal after leaving Wolves, whom he brought into the Premier League from the Championship, at the end of last season.
However, he is said to be enticed by the potential of leading one of England's most illustrious clubs.
Tottenham Director of Technical Performance Steve Hitchen has long advocated for an English candidate to carry out the necessary rebuild following Jose Mourinho's disastrous stint.
Nuno, on the other hand, is often regarded as the next best thing, having spent four years working in England.
The way Wolves came apart last season, finishing 13th in the Premier League, has caused some disquiet inside the club.
However, supporters of the 47-year-old have pointed out that Wolves never fully recovered from the sale of Diogo Jota to Liverpool and the loss of Raul Jimenez to a brain injury.
Making an appointment is really important in Tottenham. Spurs toyed with former manager Mauricio Pochettino and then held negotiations with former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and even one-time AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso after initially pursuing Brendan Rodgers and Ajax coach Erik Ten Hag.
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