Chelsea are currently 'in direct contact' with Sevilla over a possible deal for French central defender Jules Kounde, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues have been strongly linked with the 22-year-old over the last few weeks, and a recent report claimed that the Champions League holders had already agreed personal terms with the defender.
According to Romano, Chelsea are in discussions with Sevilla over Kounde, and the Premier League club are preparing to submit a new offer as time is running out in the current transfer window.
The transfer expert claims that 'timing will be key', as the Frenchman's La Liga club will want time to sign a replacement.
Kounde, who was in action for his country at this summer's European Championship, is thought to be valued by Julen Lopetegui's side in the region of €70m (£59.6m).
The former Bordeaux youngster has made 89 appearances for Los Nervionenses in all competitions and still has three years left to run on his current deal.
