Chelsea are yet to make the breakthrough in negotiations to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

The Blues recently sold Kurt Zouma to West Ham United, and they are now keen on landing Kounde to fill the void.

However, a deal remains far from straightforward with Sevilla reluctant to lower their valuation for the Frenchman.

Earlier this week, it was claimed that the Blues could sign the centre-back for an initial fee in the region of €50 million.

This has been dismissed by Fabrizio Romano, who claims that the La Liga outfit want the €80m release clause activated.

Sevilla also need time to find a suitable replacement, and they are unlikely to accept a deadline-day bid from the Blues.

Chelsea have made just one high-profile signing this summer in Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian has already scored on his return.

The Blues are currently second in the Premier League standings after three games played. They drew 1-1 at Liverpool earlier today.