Chelsea have allegedly stepped up their efforts to secure a deal for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde ahead of the summer transfer window.

The European champions had been keen to sign the France international last year, only for Sevilla to insist that their player's release clause needed to be met in full.

While Chelsea opted to reject those demands, the Blues have retained an interest in the 23-year-old, who they know is keen on a transfer to Stamford Bridge.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, director Marina Granovskaia is currently attempting to successfully negotiate terms with her counterparts at the La Liga side.

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to pay a guaranteed £46m, with a further £4m potentially being shelled out in add-ons.

With defensive teammate Diego Carlos being heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, Sevilla will give no consideration to selling Kounde in January. body check tags ::