Two major problems emerge as Tottenham aim to seal Kounde deal
Two major issues have emerged that may thwart Tottenham in their bid to sign highly-rated Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this summer.
The French defender was revealed as a priority signing for Spurs just prior to Nuno Espirito Santo taking over at Spurs last Wednesday. That speculation has only heightened since the former Wolves boss was announced as Jose Mourinho’s long-term successor in north London.
Estadio Deportivo, as cited by Sport Witness, has reported that Kounde is ‘on the open market’, with Sevilla happy to listen to offers.
Indeed, the report adds that both the club and player believe his time is up in Seville. That is despite the fact that Kounde only joined in 2019.
Cash-strapped Real Madrid have also been credited with a firm interest. However, their offer would need to involve a player swap deal, with Isco mentioned as an option.
But there is bad news on the horizon to Spurs’ hopes, with two factors proving problematic.
Firstly, Kounde remains intent on joining a club in the Champions League, with Tottenham only in a Europa Conference play-off.
There is also the small issue of the fee involved for one of the top defensive talents in European football.
The report claims that Daniel Levy would not be prepared to stump up the €50million Sevilla want. Indeed, that is a figure they turned down from Manchester City last summer.
Outgoings could help, however, with Tottenham wanting £25m for veteran star Toby Alderweireld.
The Belgian wants out after a six-year stay in north London and could be bound for his homeland or Holland.
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Nuno names his coaching team
Meanwhile, Nuno Espirito Santo has filled out his Tottenham backroom staff with some familiar faces as Ian Cathro, Rui Barbosa and Antonio Dias have joined the club.
All three worked with Nuno at Wolves until the end of last season. They also have a longer association with the Portuguese dating back to his previous clubs. At this stage, there is no indication on whether Ledley King remains part of the coaching set-up.
Cathro, who was briefly head coach at Hearts after working with Nuno at Rio Ave and Valencia, will serve as assistant head coach.
Barbosa and Dias join in identical roles to those they held at Wolves. The former will work as goalkeeping coach and the latter the fitness coach.
Nuno was confirmed as the new Tottenham boss on Wednesday, signing a deal until 2023, as the long-term successor to Jose Mourinho.
After a spell in interim charge of the first team, Ryan Mason has returned to his academy role.
READ MORE: No other option for Tottenham but to risk major Paratici, Nuno rift, claims pundit
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