Chelsea open talks with Sevilla over potential signing of French defender Jules Kounde… with Thomas Tuchel making the £68m rated player his prime defensive target
- Chelsea have made Sevilla defender Jules Kounde their main defensive target
- The 22-year-old Frenchman has impressed for the LaLiga side in recent seasons
- His performances has also attracted interest from Man City, Utd and Tottenham
- Kounde has a £68.4m release clause but Chelsea might instead offer players
- Chelsea were also keen on Raphael Varane but he is set to move to United
Chelsea are in talks with Sevilla over a move for their France international centre back Jules Kounde.
The 22-year old has a buy out clause of £68.4million and has three years left on contract but talks are advancing.
Cash-strapped Sevilla want to recoup as much of that buy-out figure as negotiations intensify, though Chelsea would prefer to offer players as part of the deal.
Chelsea are in talks with Sevilla over a move for their French centre back Jules Kounde (R)
Kounde and Chelsea came up against each other in the Champions League last season
Sevilla have already rejected a proposal from Tottenham of cash plus Davinson Sanchez while Kounde was content to wait to see what other offers landed.
Manchester City made an approach for Kounde last summer while United rate him highly but hold reservations about his 5ft 11ins height being suitable for the Premier League, despite the fact he has a strong leap. His compatriot Raphael Varane was always top of their wishlist.
Chelsea were also keen on Varane but Kounde is younger and is keen to join the European champions.
A five year contract has been proposed as the clubs try to settle on a price and it is understood Sevilla are talking to free agent former Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng as a potential replacement.
Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel is keen to strengthen down the spine of his team and at wing back.
Man City and Chelsea were also keen on Raphael Varane but he looks to be going to Man Utd
It is understood Sevilla are talking to free agent Jerome Boateng as a potential replacement
They are also set to confirm the signing of free agent goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli while defender Dynel Simeu, who was out of contract, has completed his move to Southampton which could earn Chelsea up to £1.5m.
Tuchel is willing to let a number of players leave to help offset their summer spending with up to 12 possibly available.
However, one player they didn’t wish to lose is 16-year-old attacking midfielder Emran Soglu who had a trial with Bayern Munich last week and has been training with the German club’s U19s.