Chelsea are reportedly now the favourites to sign Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde this summer.
The 22-year-old excelled for his La Liga club during the 2020-21 campaign, making 49 appearances in all competitions, scoring four times and providing one assist in the process.
A number of clubs, including Manchester United, have been credited with an interest in the defender, who is currently with the France squad at the European Championship.
However, according to ABC Sevilla, Chelsea have moved ahead of the Red Devils in the race, with the Blues now the clear frontrunners for his signature during this summer's transfer window.
The report claims that interested clubs will have to pay upwards of €65m (£55.9m) to sign the Frenchman, who was thought to be the subject of an offer from Manchester City last summer.
Both Chelsea and Man United are said to be in the market for new centre-backs in the current market, with Real Madrid's Raphael Varane also believed to be a target for the Premier League pair. body check tags ::
