Chelseah handed boost in signing La Liga defender

Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, according to PA Sport.

On Sunday, Blues manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Antonio Rudiger will be leaving on a free transfer this summer.

Andreas Christensen is also expected to follow the same route, having opted against renewing his contract expiring in June.

This will force the Blues to spend in the transfer market, and PA Sport claims that Kounde could be back on their radar.

The west London giants failed to negotiate a fee for Kounde last summer. They refused to meet the £68m release clause.

They are prepared to try again this summer, and it is claimed that the defender is likely to push for a move this time.

Kounde is prepared to pursue a fresh challenge, having stayed committed to the La Liga giants for another campaign.

Sevilla could be willing to negotiate a lesser transfer fee, provided the Blues are able to negotiate a quick and early deal.