Madrid face a tough competitor in the fight for Koundé

He is one of the most sought-after players on the market. While Sevilla were initially reluctant to let go of one of their biggest stars, he is now not so certain to stay at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. The French centre back, one of the best performers in last year's domestic season, is being monitored by some of the best clubs in Europe - including Real Madrid.

Los Blancos, who are set to lose their two starting centre backs from the last 5-10 years (Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane), might look to bring in Jules Koundé. Varane's departure is now inevitable. Depending on how much money they manage to bring in via sales, Real Madrid might look to bring in this young player with a proven track record in LaLiga.

However, other clubs with more financial muscle - particularly from the Premier League - are starting to make things difficult. Reports from England suggest that Tottenham would be willing to pay between 55 and 60 million euros for the French centre back: an amount that Florentino Pérez's outfit would struggle to afford. The player's release clause stands at 80 million euros, and Sevilla are reluctant to sell him for more than 70 million.

This would represent another Monchi masterstroke, with the Andalusian club signing him for only 25 million euros.