Chelsea 'in advanced talks with Sevilla over Jules Kounde deal'

Chelsea have reportedly entered advanced discussions with Sevilla over a deal for Jules Kounde.

The versatile defender has already scooped one Europa League crown with Julen Lopetegui's side and was rewarded for his stellar 2020-21 campaign with a place in France's Euro 2020 squad.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have both been linked with a move for Kounde, but the Red Devils are supposedly closing in on a deal for Raphael Varane, while Spurs are unable to offer the 22-year-old Champions League football.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have entered 'advanced' talks with Sevilla over a deal for Kounde, who has already agreed personal terms with the Champions League winners.

Romano adds that Kounde would pen a deal with the Blues until 2026 should an agreement with Sevilla be reached, and Kurt Zouma could head in the opposite direction as part of a player-plus-cash deal.

Kounde has made 89 appearances over the past two seasons for Sevilla since arriving from Bordeaux, scoring six goals in that time.