Sevilla 'expecting Chelsea to make Jules Kounde move'

Sevilla are reportedly expecting Chelsea to make a move for French defender Jules Kounde before this summer's transfer window closes for business.

The Blues have been strongly linked with the 22-year-old in recent weeks, but it is understood that the club had cooled their interest to focus on securing a deal for Romelu Lukaku.

Thomas Tuchel's side have now re-signed Lukaku, but a new centre-back is still believed to be wanted at Stamford Bridge before the transfer deadline.

According to AS, Chelsea are yet to resume negotiations with Sevilla over the France international, who is said to be valued by his La Liga club in the region of €70m (£59.6m).

However, the report claims that Julen Lopetegui's side are expecting the Champions League holders to make an attempt to sign Kounde over the next couple of weeks.

The defender, who still has three years left to run on his contract at Estadio Ramon, made one appearance for his country at this summer's European Championship.