Chelsea reportedly remain as favourites to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, despite interest from Barcelona.
The Blues have long been linked with a move for the France international with only Sevilla's valuation preventing a deal from being completed last year.
However, the European and world champions still view the 22-year-old as a priority transfer target, and it appears that the centre-back has his sights set on eventually moving to Stamford Bridge.
According to Tuttomercato, Kounde intends to reject any interest from Barcelona to move to the Premier League outfit, providing that the two clubs can agree on a price.
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia has allegedly informed her Sevilla counterparts that Chelsea are prepared to pay a fee in the region of £46m plus bonuses.
Barcelona are said to have indicated that they were willing to shell out £42m for Kounde.
Darren Plant
