Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly earmarked Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde as a priority signing.
Los Blancos are at risk of losing both of their first-choice centre-backs in Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane this summer, with recently-reappointed manager Ancelotti expected to be in the market for defensive reinforcements should one or both players leave.
Kounde enjoyed a standout campaign with Sevilla last term, bagging two goals in 34 La Liga appearances as Julen Lopetegui's men qualified for the Champions League, and his performances have understandably attracted interest from other top European clubs.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been tipped to swoop for the France international, but Le 10 Sport claims that Ancelotti wants Real Madrid to go all out for Kounde this summer.
However, with Sevilla supposedly demanding a fee of €80m (£68.7m) for the 22-year-old, the report adds that Ancelotti may turn his attention to Villarreal's Pau Torres instead.
Kounde made his debut for the French national team against Wales last week, coming on as a half-time substitute and playing a part in their third goal of a 3-0 win.
