Tottenham Hotspur are not in talks to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, despite suggestions that the Premier League club are interested in the Frenchman, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Lilywhites have been busy in the transfer market so far this summer, signing a number of players to bolster Roberto De Zerbi's squad ahead of the new season. Strengthening the backline has been a priority, with Jan Paul van Hecke arriving for £52 million from Brighton, while Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi have joined on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively.
The only area of Spurs' back four De Zerbi hasn't addressed in this window is right-back, explaining why links to Kounde might have surfaced.
However, Romano has quashed these rumours, claiming that there is no interest and no negotiations have taken place on this front.
Romano: Tottenham Not Interested in Signing Jules Kounde
Kounde has been a mainstay in Barcelona's starting eleven since making the move from Sevilla back in 2022. The 27-year-old has made 188 appearances for the Catalan giants, averaging 47 outings a season.
While Hansi Flick has 19-year-old right-back Hector Fort developing underneath Kounde, the German boss has no other senior right-backs at his disposal, making the France international an integral figure in La Blaugrana's squad.
Thus, it was a surprise when reports emerged this week suggesting Tottenham were in talks to sign the former Sevilla man.
The North London club have been active in the market, but haven't recruited a right-back this summer, meaning the links made a semblance of sense.
However, taking to X, Romano dismissed this speculation, insisting that not only have Spurs not contacted Barcelona or the player's representatives over a deal, they've also got no interest in doing so.
Tottenham Don't Need to Sign a Right-Back This Summer
Tottenham needed to do a lot of work on their squad this summer, and they still need reinforcements in their forward line, despite already spending over £200 million in this window.
However, right-back simply isn't a position that needs addressing. The Lilywhites have World Cup winner Pedro Porro in their midst, and the Spaniard proved at the international tournament in North America that he's one of the best in his position across world football.
Meanwhile, they've got Djed Spence available to them to rotate in and out of the side with Porro, providing the ex-Sporting CP man with cover and competition. By signing Robertson, Spence should be freed up to focus on playing on his stronger right side, rather than covering on the left.