Chelsea turn up the heat to beat Barca to Jules Kounde

Two teams have shown the most interest in signing Jules Kounde in recent weeks. These being, Chelsea and Barcelona. The interest from the English club began a year ago, and Barca's, more recently. Xavi Hernandez is seeing his arrival at the Catalan club as fundamental to suring up his defensive line.

The Andalusian club recently put pressure on The Blues, and it appears to have worked, as they now seem to be better placed to sign the centreback than Barcelona. 'ABC' have reported that they are negotiating insistantly for the Frenchman from Stamford Bridge.

Kounde would be leaving Sevilla after spending three seasons at the club, appearing in 133 matches for them. His exit would result in a considerable financial boost for the Sevillians as they are not willing to accept any less than 65 million euros for their player.