Chelsea to sign La Liga defender by June 30

Chelsea have been tipped to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde before the end of the month.

The Blues are determined to land the France international this summer, having missed out on his services last year.

Talks are already underway with his agent, and Estadio Deportivo claims that a formal transfer offer is 'imminent'.

The Blues are willing to meet the asking price of around £51m, and a deal could be finalised before the month ends.

Sevilla are eager to balance their financial books, and are expected to sanction Kounde's sale over the next three weeks.

Chelsea are clear favourites to sign him at the moment. Barcelona are admirers of Kounde, but they have financial issues.

The Catalans need to offload multiple players and until then, they can't register the likes of Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen.

Kounde could be the first of several signings for the Blues. They are planning for at least five new arrivals with a budget of £200m.