French defender keen on Chelsea transfer

Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has snubbed interest from Barcelona as he has his sights on joining Chelsea this summer.

The French centre-back was heavily linked with the Blues in the previous summer transfer window, but a deal never materialised.

The west London giants were willing to offer £42m, but Sevilla were adamant that his £66m release clause had to be triggered.

According to Sport, the Blaugrana have now made contact with the player's representatives regarding a potential summer transfer.

However, they are likely to face defeat in the pursuit as Kounde has a verbal agreement to join the Blues at the end of the season.

The Blues have yet to make an improved transfer offer for the defender, but it is quite clear that Sevilla are unlikely to negotiate with them.

They are set to demand a fee close to the buy-out clause. A deal will have to be completed early such that they can land an ideal replacement.