Chelsea compile defensive shortlist as Barcelona attempt to hijack Jules Kounde deal

Chelsea have reportedly drawn up a shortlist of defensive targets, including Villarreal's Pau Torres and RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, in case Barcelona successfully hijack their deal for Jules Kounde.

Chelsea had hoped to complete the signing of Sevilla defender Kounde this week after reaching an agreement with the Spanish club over a €60 million transfer fee, while the Blues have already agreed personal terms with the France international for a five-year contract.

Barcelona had initially appeared to rule themselves out of pursuing Kounde but reports in the past few days have claimed the Catalans have entered the race for the 23-year-old's signature and are increasingly confident of beating Chelsea to yet another transfer target this summer. Barcelona have already signed Brazilian winger Raphinha, who appeared set to join the Blues before Barca expressed their interest.

It is being reported that Kounde, who is with the Sevilla squad at their pre-season training camp, will wait for Barcelona's offer to weigh up his options before deciding on his next move.

Should Kounde shun Chelsea for Barcelona, reports have claimed the Premier League club have compiled a list of alternatives as manager Thomas Tuchel desperately attempts to bolster his defensive ranks ahead of the new season.

Those targets reportedly include Villarreal's Spain international centre-back Torres, versatile Croatian defender Gvardiol of Leipzig, and Slovakia captain Milan Skriniar of Inter Milan. Also understood to be on the shortlist are Bayern Munich pair Dayot Upamecano and Benjamin Pavard, and Paris Saint-Germain's Presnel Kimpembe.

Tuchel has repeatedly expressed his determination to recruit new defenders following the departures of Antonio