Chelsea ‘open Jules Kounde transfer talks and Sevilla defender open to Blues move’ in Man Utd blow

CHELSEA have reportedly opened talks with Sevilla for main defensive target Jules Kounde.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims that the 22-year-old is open to joining the Blues as he remains keen to play Champions League football.

The report adds that a potential deal will now come down to whether Chelsea can agree a fee with the LaLiga side for the centre-back.

SunSport previously reported that Manchester United were also interested in Kounde – despite nearing a move for his compatriot Raphael Varane.

Tottenham attempted to join the race for the Frenchman only to be snubbed as Spurs fail to offer Champions League football next season.

London rivals Chelsea meanwhile are the current European holders and have been keeping tabs on Kounde over the last month.

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Thomas Tuchel is eager to land a new central defender this summer with Thiago Silva turning 37 in September.

Kurt Zouma has also been linked with a move away while academy graduate Marc Guehi has already sealed a move to Crystal Palace.

Kounde was part of the France squad that suffered a shock loss to Switzerland in the Round of 16 at Euro 2020.

The former Bordeaux star made 34 top-flight appearances for Sevilla last term and scored three goals as Julen Lopetegui’s side finished fourth.

Kounde can play at both right-back and centre-half, the sort of versatility that is enticing several Premier League clubs.

He is under contract until 2024 at the Spanish side, and was a second-half substitute in Sevilla’s 4-0 loss to Chelsea back in December.

Bayern Munich stalwart Niklas Sule is another name thought to be among Tuchel’s list of defensive targets at Stamford Bridge this summer.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk