CHELSEA will reportedly only reignite their interest in Jules Kounde during the winter transfer window if Sevilla slash their demands for the defender.
The Blues were keen to snap up the centre-back in the summer, but were reluctant to activate his £68million release clause.
Both clubs were close to agreeing a £43m deal for the Frenchman, only for the LaLiga side to bump up their asking price following Kurt Zouma’s switch to West Ham.
The failed transfer is said to have left Kounde furious with the Sevilla board after he had agreed personal terms with the West London outfit.
But the 22-year-old could still get his move to Chelsea in January, but ESPN state that will only happen if the Spanish outfit lower their demands.
They have claimed that Chelsea are only prepared to still pay £43m.
Should Sevilla be willing to revive negotiations, then the Champions League holders won’t hesitate in making a swoop for the ex-Bordeaux ace.
Speaking of Chelsea’s failed move for Kounde, Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui confirmed that the Premier League giants didn’t offer a sufficient amount of money.
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He told Diario de Sevilla: “Kounde in the end has stayed because the club has decided that it was the right thing to do based on the evaluation of the offers they may have had.
“For me, as a coach, that Jules stays is positive.
“With the evolution he has had in these two years, it is positive, without any doubt.”
Before adding: “We trust that he’ll continue to grow with us and, above all, perform, which is the most important thing.”
Chelsea reportedly are also looking to prise French starlet Aurelien Tchouameni away from Monaco.
However Juventus are believed to be in pole position to sign the midfielder following his standout performances in Ligue 1 and on the international stage.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
