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Chelsea have been handed major encouragement in their chase for Jules Kounde with the Sevilla hierarchy suggesting that the defender is aiming to leave.

The Blues have been linked with a move for the Frenchman for some time. It was suggested that they were keen to secure his services last summer but failed to agree a deal with his current employers.

Chelsea's need for a new central defender has intensified over recent weeks with Antonio Rudiger sealing a move to Real Madrid at the end of his contract and Andreas Christensen on the way out of Stamford Bridge having been named on the club’s released list. Now Todd Boehly's takeover has been completed, Chelsea are expected to step up their interest in Kounde.

In a fresh boost for the West Londoners, Sevilla general manager Jose Maria Cruz de Andres has suggested that the defender wants to leave the club. He also admitted it is not a surprise to see Chelsea and their European rivals harbour ambitions of securing his signature.

Speaking with Sport Witness, he said: “Again, the player, I am sure, respects Sevilla FC. He is happy with us. In the case of Kounde, it is not a matter of money. It’s a matter of him wanting to play in a more competitive team