Sevilla 'looking for Jules Kounde replacement amid Chelsea talks'

Sevilla are reportedly currently looking for a replacement for Jules Kounde, with the La Liga outfit still in talks with Chelsea over a potential deal for the centre-back this summer.

There have been suggestions that the Blues have put their pursuit of Kounde on hold in order to concentrate on securing a move for Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, discussions between Sevilla and Chelsea are ongoing, and the Spanish club are preparing for the Frenchman's departure in the current window.

Romano claims that Ozan Kabak, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Liverpool from Schalke 04, is a target for Julen Lopetegui's side.

Kounde - also linked with Manchester United before the Red Devils secured a deal for Raphael Varane - still has three years left to run on his contract at Estadio Ramon.

The 22-year-old was an important player for Los Nervionenses during the 2020-21 campaign, making 49 appearances in all competitions, contributing four goals and one assist in the process.