Real Madrid to enter pursuit of Chelsea defensive target

Real Madrid are planning to enter the race to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, according to El Nacional.

The Frenchman was touted to join Chelsea over the summer, but a deal did not materialise due to differences in valuations.

They were prepared to pay around €50m for the defender, but Sevilla were adamant that they wouldn't sell for less than €65m.

The Blues could try again for his services in either January or next summer, but they could face strong competition from Los Blancos.

The Madrid giants signed David Alaba on a free transfer this summer, but also lost two experienced stars in Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane.

They are keen to land a marquee central defender to accompany the Austrian, and have earmarked Kounde as a potential transfer target.

Aside from Kounde, the club also have their sights on Villarreal's Pau Torres, who has also been linked with a Premier League move.

Torres was the subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur, but he rejected their advances due to lack of Champions League football.