Chelsea also unwilling to pay Sevilla €65m asking price for Kounde

Jules Kounde's move to Chelsea is not that clear. The English side are not willing to pay the €65 million Sevilla want for the French defender and the saga could drag on, with Barcelona keen to negotiate a deal if it's possible financially.

Chelsea, who have had a fluid relationship with the player over the last few months, feel the price tag is not in line with the market. They are willing to offer the €55m they offered last summer, which was rejected.

Kounde is Barça coach Xavi Hernandez's preferred option to strengthen the defence but Barça know Chelsea have more economic power at the moment. However, they have taken advantage of the impasse in negotiations between Chelsea and Sevilla to see what would be possible.

Sevilla, despite their tough public stance, are open to negotiating given they are not clear what will happen with Chelsea.

Kounde's desire is to move this summer. Sevilla prevented a departure last summer and he's ready to go now. If he stays, he could become a problem for the dressing room, while Sevilla need to raise cash.

Barça believe it's a deal to work on in July once they have a better idea of how much they can make from the palancas and ins and outs elsewhere.