Chelsea still expecting to sign Jules Kounde despite Barcelona contact; Sevilla want sale by Monday

Chelsea are aware that Barcelona have made contact with Jules Kounde regarding a summer transfer but his representatives have not yet signalled that he will turn down a move to Stamford Bridge, 90min understands.

The Blues reached a £55m agreement with Sevilla for Kounde on Friday, though it was then reported in Spain that Barça were finally willing to make an official bid for the defender, if only to slow down an exit from Andalusia to England.

90min reported earlier on Saturday that both Chelsea and Sevilla remained confident of finalising a deal for Kounde in the coming days.

And it is understood that Thomas Tuchel's side are still hopeful of concluding a deal despite further reports on the continent saying Kounde will head to Camp Nou instead. They are very much aware that Barcelona are in contact with Kounde, but the player has not signalled to them that he won't end up signing for the west London side.

Listen now to 90min's Talking Transfers podcast, with Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth. On the latest show they discuss Chelsea finally closing in on Jules Kounde, Man Utd's ongoing pursuit of Frenkie de Jong, West Ham's hunt for a new forward and left-back and more. Available on all audio platforms.

If you can't see the podcast embed, click here to download the episode in full!

Sevilla director of football Monchi is due to arrive in Portugal to join the club for their pre-season preparations. He is growing tired of this transfer saga rumbling on and wants to sanction a sale by Monday.

Tuchel revealed on Friday that he is growing annoyed of Barcelona's public pursuits, namely of his own captain Cesar Azpilicueta.