Chelsea 'still regard Jules Kounde as top target'

Chelsea have still reportedly got Sevilla defender Jules Kounde at the top of their list of transfer targets ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Champions League holders failed with numerous attempts to bring the 23-year-old to Stamford Bridge last summer, when the Spanish club were holding out for around €70m (£58.6m).

However, Chelsea have not been deterred from signing the Frenchman in the summer, as tweeted by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on his personal Twitter account.

Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea remain keen to bring in defensive reinforcements at the end of the season, with as many as three defenders potentially leaving the club on free transfers.

The trio of Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen all have their Chelsea contracts expiring in June, with no extensions yet agreed between the club and the players.

Meanwhile, Kounde has remained an important part of Sevilla's defence following his failed move to England last summer, and has gone on to make 19 La Liga appearances so far this season.