Sevilla defender Jules Kounde 'in line to be Chelsea's first summer signing'

Chelsea reportedly have plans to make Sevilla defender Jules Kounde one of their first signings of the summer transfer window.

As it stands, the Blues are unable to buy, sell or renegotiate contracts with current players due to the takeover process, a situation which has contributed to Antonio Rudiger making the decision to depart Stamford Bridge.

However, it has been widely documented that Thomas Tuchel plans to be in the market for at least one high-profile defender with Kounde regarded as a long-term target.

According to 90 min, both Chelsea and Kounde are keen to wrap up a transfer as soon as possible at the end of the season.

The report claims that the France international has already been informed that he will be Chelsea's priority once US merchant bank Raine Group and the British government give the go-ahead to a takeover.

While Kounde's release clause sits at £68m, Sevilla may be prepared to do business for a lower fee with the 23-year-old's contract due to expire in 2024.