Chelsea will reportedly have to do away with one defender before making an official bid for Sevilla's Jules Kounde.
The France international is thought to have agreed personal terms with the Blues following advanced talks and is keen to complete a switch to Stamford Bridge this summer.
However, with Kounde's Sevilla contract not due to expire until the summer of 2024, Julen Lopetegui's side can afford to drive a hard bargain when it comes to a price for the £68m-rated defender.
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are preparing to launch a formal bid for Kounde's services, but Thomas Tuchel must first do away with one of his existing centre-backs at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues reportedly have no interest in sending Andreas Christensen to Sevilla as part of a deal, but Kurt Zouma is thought to be in discussions with West Ham United over a switch across the capital.
Kounde has already won the Europa League during his time at Sevilla and featured on one occasion for France during Euro 2020.
Ben Knapton
