Chelsea pushing to sign Jules Kounde?

Chelsea are making progress towards a potential deal for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

The Blues are keen on landing a new centre-back despite the emergence of Trevoh Chalobah.

Kounde has been identified as the prime target, but they have yet to meet the valuation for his services.

The Frenchman has a release clause worth £61 million on his contract. Sevilla could be prepared to sell for £53m.

Before moving for Kounde, they need to free space and funds. Kurt Zouma has been tipped to leave the club.

Both West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as contenders to sign the 26-year-old this month.

Zouma has two years remaining on his Blues contract. The west London club are prepared to sell him for £25 million.

Spurs appear the front-runners to sign him, as per Sky Sports. The Blues have a big decision to make on the defender.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side could be direct challengers in the top four race.