Chelsea and Barcelona have reportedly been informed that they must make a formal approach for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde within the next week.

The future of the France international has been a hot topic for debate for a number of months, largely due to long-standing interest from Chelsea.

When the Blues' takeover was officially completed at the end of May, an agreement between the relevant parties appeared to be only a matter of time.

However, Chelsea - nor Barcelona - have yet made a breakthrough in any informal discussions as they attempt to reach a compromise over a fee.

Previously, it has been claimed that Chelsea would like to wrap up a deal for a fee in the region of £50m at a time when Barcelona are not in a position to meet such a figure.

Nevertheless, according to reports in Spain, Sevilla have no intention of hanging around for any suitors to make up their mind regarding one of their key men.

Chelsea and Barcelona have reportedly been encouraged to meet Sevilla's current demands by July 5 or face having to pay more money for Kounde later in the transfer window.

The La Liga outfit are said to be ready to ask for close to the 23-year-old's €80m (£69.1m) if they do not receive a suitable offer over the next seven days.

A separate report in ABC Sevilla has suggested that Chelsea are ready to act before the alleged deadline as they bid to bring in fresh faces as soon as possible.

New owner Todd Boehly has also taken on the role as interim sporting director, and it is expected to lead to a flurry of activity over the coming weeks.

On Tuesday evening, reports emerged that Boehly had informed Leeds United that he was willing to meet their asking price for winger Raphinha.

Furthermore, Chelsea are also chasing Manchester City playmaker Raheem Sterling and are believed to be close to agreeing a deal for the England international.

Fellow City player Nathan Ake is also said to be on Tuchel's shortlist, although the acquisition of the Dutch defender would not prevent Chelsea from moving for Kounde, who plays on the opposite side of the defence.

A report in The Telegraph has claimed that Chelsea could make as many as six signings, those additions being offset by a number of departures. body check tags ::