Chelsea are close to finalising a deal for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, with the Andalusian club considering a number of players that have been offered to them.
News of the Blues' pursuit of Kounde broke on Tuesday, with the club opting to solidify their central defensive options amid doubts over the long-term futures of Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Kurt Zouma.
Indeed, Zouma has been tipped to move the other way by various sources - having started just eight games since the turn of the year - while Christensen and Rudiger, who have both impressed hugely under Thomas Tuchel, have only 12 months left on their respective contracts despite the German's wish to tie both down to extensions.
However, 90min understands that Zouma is not the only player that has been put forward to Sevilla, with a plethora of options available should the Spaniards be interested.
Davide Zappacosta, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Matt Miazga and Kenedy are just some of the players available for transfer at Stamford Bridge, while there's the possibility of sending Malang Sarr - who would be a like-for-like replacement for Kounde - to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium on loan.
Sevilla are no strangers to exchanging players, having recently taken on board Erik Lamela from Tottenham as part of their sale of Bryan Gil, although a deal for Kounde does not hinge on a departure from Stamford Bridge being included.
A price has not been quoted for Kounde's impending move to west London but is expected to fall below the release clause in his contract, which stands just shy of £70m. Personal terms have already been agreed, and it's been confirmed to 90min that there's an expectation he'll be a Chelsea player before long.
The 22-year-old's move follows significant interest in Kounde's services, both at home and from abroad. Real Madrid and Manchester United have been touted as potential suitors at one time, though it's Tottenham who will feel most aggrieved by his move to Chelsea - having seen an approach to bring Kounde to north London turned down by the player himself.
Source : 90min