Sevilla are reportedly keen to resolve the future of Jules Kounde as soon as possible with Chelsea and Barcelona both keen on the defender.
Throughout the summer transfer window, it has been widely claimed that Sevilla are prepared to part ways with the France international if their asking price is met.
Although Kounde has a release clause in the region of £68m, his club may be prepared to agree to a marginally slower fee in order to cash in on the player.
The 23-year-old is tied to Sevilla until 2024, but his valuation will drop considerably should he enter the final 12 months of his contract next summer.
According to journalist Nathan Gissing, club officials want to find a resolution as soon as possible in order to pursue their own transfer targets.
© Reuters
Gissing says that Chelsea have already indicated that they are willing to pay €50m (£42.6m) plus add-ons to wrap up a deal over the coming days.
Furthermore, Sevilla are happy to proceed with negotiations in order to reach an agreement as soon as possible, but it is claimed that the presence of Barcelona complicates the situation.
While Kounde, who has been aware of Chelsea's long-standing admiration in his services for some time, is open to signing for the Blues, a switch to Camp Nou is said to be his preference.
As it stands, however, the Catalan giants are yet to come forward with an approach, something which may have to change within days if they want to remain active in the race for the player.
© Reuters
Speaking earlier this week, Barcelona president Joan Laporta revealed that he would now look to sign at least one new defender for head coach Xavi.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the club are able to match the terms offered by Chelsea, another aspect of the scenario which may complicate matters further.
Kounde has allegedly already looked at houses in London in the event that the next move of his career takes him to England's capital.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed on Tuesday that he hopes to sign two more players this summer, at least one of those incomings guaranteed to be a fresh face for the middle of the defence.
Kalidou Koulibaly has already arrived from Napoli on a long-term contract, but replacements are required for each of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.
Darren Plant
