Chelsea are reportedly confident that they have won the race to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
While the Blues have held an interest in the France international for over a year, they have never got close to finalising a deal with Sevilla.
With little headway having been made during the early stages of the summer transfer window, it appeared that the two clubs would reach a similar level of deadlock.
However, in recent days, it has been widely claimed that Chelsea have expressed a willingness to pay in the region of £55m for the 23-year-old, seizing any initiative away from Barcelona.
Although the Catalan giants are known to be eager to sign Kounde, they are yet to match the finances which have been put on the table by Chelsea.
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According to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, Chelsea now believe that they will be in a position to finalise a deal over the coming hours.
Jacobs says that there is an acceptance from Barcelona's side that they are unable to equal or better Chelsea with regards to a transfer fee or personal terms.
With only "minor points" left to be resolved between the relevant parties, it is suggested that the transfer could now be completed quickly.
In a video published by Relevo on Thursday evening, Barcelona president Joan Laporta indicated that Kounde was likely to sign for Chelsea.
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Spanish journalist Gerard Romero suggested that Laporta's comments were "ironic", citing sources from Barcelona, but it now appears that the La Liga giants are likely to miss out on someone who Xavi regarded as a key transfer target.
Should Chelsea get a deal over the line, Kounde will join Kalidou Koulibaly in acting as replacements for Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.
However, with Chelsea strengthening their options in defence and Barcelona having more funds to use for other players, a move for Blues defender Cesar Azpilicueta would become more likely.
The 32-year-old is said to have already agreed personal terms on a two-year contract at Camp Nou, leaving the clubs to negotiate a transfer fee.
Darren Plant
