Chelsea 'make Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde a top summer target'

Chelsea are reportedly convinced that they will sign centre-back Jules Kounde in the summer transfer window.

The Blues came close to luring Kounde from Sevilla last summer, only to balk at Spanish club's £60million asking price.

The 23-year-old admitted missing out on a move to the Premier League side affected him mentally at the start of the season.

Sport Witness report Chelsea are 'fully convinced that this time they will not fail' in their pursuit of the defender.

And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted: 'Chelsea have Jules Kounde as top target in their summer list, as reported days ago.'

Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta are all out of contract at the end of June, with negotiations over extensions so far proving unsuccessful. 

So Kounde remains a top target although Spanish outlet Sport claim Barcelona are also ready to move for the France international this summer.

Catalans boss Xavi is understood to be an admirer of Kounde, whom he feels is capable of fixing a leaky defence which has shipped in 25 La Liga goals so far this season.

And if plotting to beat them to his signature wasn't enough, Barca also want to take Christensen and Azpilicueta on free transfers from Chelsea in July.