Reports that Manchester City tried to hijack Barcelona's transfer for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde are untrue. Kounde, 23, has completed a move to Barcelona after being linked with a number of Premier League clubs in recent transfer windows - including City.
After securing his move to the Nou Camp, reports in France emerged that City tried to hijack the transfer at the last minute, but the Frenchman turned them down and completed his switch to Barcelona. Chelsea were strongly linked before the transfer was secured this week.
However, City were never in the market for a central defender this summer as Nathan Ake is staying at the Etihad following interest from Chelsea. With the London club not reaching City's asking price, the Dutchman will stay at the Etihad and compete with John Stones, Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte for a starting spot.
