Chelsea 'closing in on £42.8m deal for Jules Kounde'

Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of securing a deal for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.

The France international's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with Chelsea emerging as the leading candidates to sign him before the end of the transfer window.

A recent report claimed that Thomas Tuchel's side were facing the prospect of missing out on a deal for Kounde unless they made progress in talks with Sevilla over the next couple of days.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Blues have now achieved a breakthrough, and a deal worth an initial €50m (£42.8m) is almost done.

Di Marzio claims that the transfer will include a number of add-ons, which will be triggered if the 22-year-old reaches certain goals during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Kounde has made 90 appearances for Sevilla over the last two years, while he was in action for France at this summer's European Championships.

Chelsea are still attempting to sell Kurt Zouma before the end of the transfer window, and West Ham United are said to be in advanced discussions over a deal for the centre-back.