Chelsea are reportedly willing to involve attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech in a player-plus-cash deal to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
Thomas Tuchel is keen to recruit a new centre-back this summer and has identified the 22-year-old as one of his main targets.
According to Spanish news outlet AS, the Blues are not prepared to meet Kounde's £69m release clause, but are considering using Ziyech as part of a deal to lure the Frenchman away from Seville.
Ziyech only moved to Stamford Bridge last summer from Ajax for around £37.8m, however the Moroccan international has failed to live up to expectations and has also suffered with injuries throughout this campaign.
The 28-year-old, who has recorded four goals and four assists in 29 appearances, is one of six players that Chelsea could use to tempt Sevilla to part ways with their star defender.
Spanish duo Kepa Arrizabalaga and Cesar Azpilicueta as well as Tammy Abraham, Michy Batshuayi and Tiemoue Bakayoko could also be offered to the La Liga outfit.
Kounde, who has previously been linked with a move to Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid, has made 41 appearances in all competitions so far this season and has played in a backline which has kept 14 clean sheets in La Liga, the joint-most in the division.
Oliver Thomas
