Chelsea transfer round-up: Three stars could arrive before Blues fly out on pre-season tour to USA

Chelsea hope to complete the signing of England forward Raheem Sterling and at least one defender before they set off on their American tour this weekend.

A deal for Manchester City star Sterling is believed to be close, and although the Blues' pursuit of Seville centre-back Jules Kounde has gone quiet in the last 10 days, the powerful French centre-back is still believed to be in head coach Thomas Tuchel's sights.

New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly will have to meet the Spanish club's buy-out clause of around £72 million, and Seville sporting director Monchi is reported as saying: "Jules Koundé has chances to leave the club if some club will pay the release clause. Chelsea made a bid last week but we didn't like it."

Chelsea's top priority, before they fly out to the United States on their pre-season tour this weekend, is to sign at least one centre-back – preferably two.

After losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to Spanish giants on free transfers, Tuchel needs urgent replenishments at the back.

Juventus defender Matthijs De Ligt remains a major target, although the Blues are not prepared to match the Old Lady's monster £103million release clause for a player entering the final two years of his contract in Turin.

The Italian club are likely to talk terms nearer £70m, but they have already rejected Timo Werner and Jorginho as makeweights in any deal with Chelsea.

Sky Germany suggest Bayern Munich's French defender Benjamin Pavard is another name on Tuchel's shopping list. But Chelsea will face stiff competition from Atletico Madrid and Juventus for the 26-year-old.

Spanish media Mundo Deportivo are claiming Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso is willing to submit a transfer request to force through a move to