Sevilla 'unlikely to drop asking price for Chelsea-linked Jules Kounde'

Chelsea will reportedly have to pay €80m (£68.3m) if they wish to sign Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.

The Blues were strongly linked with the France international over the summer but could not agree a deal with the Spanish giants.

Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui revealed that offers arrived for the 22-year-old during the recent transfer window, but they were not deemed suitable by the La Liga outfit.

Chelsea are expected to reignite their interest in the Frenchman when the winter window opens for business, but according to Marca, Sevilla are pushing for their 'best sale in their history'.

As a result, the report claims that the Spanish outfit are likely to demand that the €80m (£68.3m) release clause in the centre-back's contract is met before sanctioning a sale.

Kounde, who was also linked with Manchester United over the summer, has scored six times and registered two assists in 91 appearances for Sevilla in all competitions.

The Frenchman still has three years left to run on his contract at Estadio Ramon, placing Lopetegui's side in a strong position when it comes to any future negotiations.