Manchester City have seen their opening bid for Jules Kounde rejected by Sevilla. But the 21-year-old has been branded a back-up target, with Kalidou Koulibaly the main target going into the final weeks in the transfer window.
Pep Guardiola has made strengthening his defence a priority and despite the arrival of Nathan Ake, another centre-back could join.
The Dutchman joined from Bournemouth to act as back-up to Aymeric Laporte, whose fitness remains an issue after nearly a year out of action.
But it is the Frenchman's partner at the back Guardiola is more concerned with. The likes of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi have failed to win over the trust of the Catalan coach.
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