Bayern Munich are reportedly preparing to step up their interest in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
Having spent three years at the La Liga outfit, it is widely expected that Kounde will be allowed to take on a new challenge this summer, providing that his asking price is met.
General manager Jose Maria Cruz de Andres has also confirmed that the France international wants to move to a team who will compete for league titles and European trophies more so than Sevilla.
As it stands, Chelsea are the clear favourites to sign the 23-year-old, the Blues said to be holding negotiations with their counterparts at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.
However, despite Kounde also said to be in favour of a transfer to Stamford Bridge, it appears that the world champions will face competition from other clubs.
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According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Bayern are ready to make their own move for Kounde as they look to strengthen in the centre of their backline.
Niklas Sule - who made 35 appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season - has opted to depart for Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer.
While the Germany international is predominantly a centre-back, the 26-year-old has also provided cover at right-back, characteristics also held by Kounde.
Much could depend on whether Bayern are willing to pay in excess of £50m at a time when they also want to sign Liverpool forward Sadio Mane.
Furthermore, the Bundesliga champions are also attempting to hand Serge Gnabry a new contract, while Robert Lewandowski's future is still to be resolved.
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A further stumbling block which may also influence Chelsea is the revelation that Kounde is due to undergo surgery on Tuesday.
The player was withdrawn at half time of France's defeat to Croatia on Monday evening, and national team boss Didier Deschamps addressed the situation after the game.
Deschamps told reporters: "I knew very well his physical condition today. Tomorrow [Tuesday] he will have a [surgical] intervention because he has a problem that has been going on for several months."
According to The Athletic, Kounde is still expected to be available for pre-season during the early weeks in July.
Darren Plant
