Thomas Tuchel confirms Chelsea tried to sign €80m-rated star

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that the club attempted to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla this summer.

The Blues were heavily linked with the Frenchman last month, but a deal did not materialise with the La Liga outfit.

Their opening bid of around €50m was rejected. Sevilla were eyeing at least €65m to part ways with the centre-back.

On deadline day, they made clear that the 22-year-old won't be sold for less than the €80m release clause on his contract.

Tuchel has now confirmed that there was a late bid on the table for Kounde.

He said via Standard Sport: "It was clear we tried for Kounde and Saul [Niguez] and it was very, very late."

"It was a very, very smooth transfer window because I had full concentration on training and on my team."

The Blues will make a fresh approach for Kounde at the turn of the year, but they are unlikely to up their transfer bid.

It remains to be seen whether Sevilla are prepared to negotiate. They could sign Lille's Sven Botman if Kounde leaves.