Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Jules Kounde, as Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui insists that there are no signs to suggest the defender will leave this summer.
The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and he is believed to be Thomas Tuchel's primary defensive target.
Kounde himself is confident that he will complete a move to the Champions League winners this summer, but according to his manager, there have been no indications yet to suggest he will be sold before the August 31 deadline.
"I don't have the feeling that this is his last game. There is nothing that tells me that he will not continue with us," Lopetegui told reporters after Sunday's 3-0 win against Rayo Vallecano.
"He played a very good game. Things can happen until August 31. We need to strengthen positions and we are working on it."
Kounde is believed to have a £68m release clause in his contract with the Spanish club, though Chelsea are preparing to negotiate a lower fee as well as potentially adding one or two players in part exchange.
Oliver Thomas
