Chelsea ready to ‘thwart’ Tottenham Hotspur transfer bid after Manchester City decision

Chelsea are reportedly ready to make a bid for Sevilla star Jules Kounde after becoming frustrated in their efforts to take Nathan Ake back to Stamford Bridge.

The Dutch international was said to be at the top of Thomas Tuchel’s list as he looks to replace Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger following their respective moves to Barcelona and Real Madrid.

However, the Blues have failed to agreed a fee with Premier League champions Manchester City and are now ready to turn their attention elsewhere.

Tuchel is believed to be closing in on a £34million deal to sign long-term target Kalidou Koulibaly from Serie A club Napoli and also retains an interest in Paris Saint Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe.

But it is Sevilla’s French international centre-back Jules Kounde - another long-term target of Tuchel - that is said to be at the top of their list ahead of the new Premier League season.

The La Liga side will be forced to part company with their star defender if any club meets the £76million release clause placed into his current contract.

The centre-back has received the backing of former defensive partner Diego Carlos, who will ply his trade in the Premier League this season after joining Aston Villa.

Speaking last year, he said: "He has quality and he can play for great European clubs. He is a young player who can still improve over time, he has got great qualities, he is very strong and I am sure he can play for a big club as a great defender.

"To have a strong defence, we also need all the other players to help us and we can help them to attack, so Kounde really looks to attack too and like all the other midfielders, we all help each other and we are a good team in attack and defence.”

Kounde is also said to be attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona and looks increasingly likely to find a new club before the summer transfer window comes to a close.