Chelsea have been scouting France defender Jules Kounde, 25, as they consider making a summer approach to Barcelona

Barcelona are close to beating Chelsea to the signing of Jules Kounde, 23, after agreeing a 50m euro fee with Sevilla for the France defender

Chelsea's move for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde is in danger of collapsing, with Barcelona increasingly optimistic they can land the 23-year-old France international.

Chelsea will turn to Paris St-Germain and France defender Presnel Kimpembe, 26, if Barcelona succeed in hijacking Jules Kounde's move to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have beaten off competition from Barcelona to sign Sevilla and France centre-back Jules Kounde and will offer the 23-year-old a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge.