Chelsea increasingly confident of signing French defender

Chelsea are increasingly confident of signing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this year, 90min reports.

The Blues were fancied to sign the France international last summer, but they could not agree a suitable deal for him.

Sevilla rejected their €50 million offer, and were reluctant to sell him for anything less than the €80m release clause.

The setback has aided Trevoh Chalobah in making his breakthrough with the London outfit, but they will return for Kounde.

Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, and Cesar Azpilicueta have all entered the final six months of their respective deals.

There is a possibility that all three could leave for free in the summer. The Blues could sign more than one centre-back.

It is reported that the west London giants will make a fresh move for Kounde and are confident of landing him this time.

Sevilla are likely to accept a lesser fee for the Frenchman if the Blues attempt to sign him at the earliest opportunity.