Chelsea remain confident of reaching an agreement with Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.

The Blues were heavily linked with a move to sign the 23-year-old defender during the summer transfer window but the Andalusian outfit increased their financial demands and a move failed to materialise.

Sevilla may be more willing to part ways with the France international for less than his £68m release clause at the end of the season.

It is suggested that the Blues may be prepared to activate that option for his signature.

As per 90min, the European champions are still huge fans of the Frenchman and are ready to launch a deal for him.

Kounde is believed to be Chelsea’s top summer target and there is hope that the centre-back will join the west Londoners at some point this year.