Chelsea 'closing in on Jules Kounde transfer despite Barcelona making £51m bid for Sevilla star and holding Xavi talks'

CHELSEA are reportedly closing in on Jules Kounde but face competition from Barcelona who have made the Sevilla defender their "number one target".

The Catalan giants are looking to build on an encouraging week in the transfer market after they closed in on some major signings.

They are now turning their attention to long-term Chelsea target Kounde, 23, and reportedly are set to make a £51m bid.

Marca report that he is now the "big goal" for the La Liga club after their failure to secure other targets earlier in the window.

While Barca did manage to sign Andreas Christensen earlier in the window they are believed to be keen on another centre-back.

Kounde is yet to join up with Sevilla's first team who are touring in South Korea due to a pelvic operation he had last month.

Chelsea are reportedly close to agree a deal for the defender only days after they secured Kalidou Koulibaly.

According to Spanish media firm Manu Sainz, the Blues are hoping an official agreement will be struck as soon as next week.

They added that Barca boss Xavi "spoke to the player but he looks set for a move to Chelsea."

After slow starts to the window, both the London club and Barcelona have picked up the pace.

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Days before signing Koulibaly, Chelsea announced that Raheem Sterling had become their first signing of the summer.

While the deal for Robert Lewandowski looks to be all but done as Barcelona draft in one of football's deadliest strikers.

And their attack also received a major boost as they managed to wrestle Raphinha from Leeds for £57m.