Chelsea may be able to pay just £56million for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, according to reports, with the club willing to accept less than his release clause.
His contract states that the clause can be triggered for £69million, although they are said to be open to lower offers to wrap up one of the summer's longest sagas.
Kounde is also reportedly a target for Barcelona, but the Blues, who are poised to splash the cash under new owner Todd Boehly, remain firmly in the transfer race.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano says that the centre back is available for under £60m, a figure which could tempt Chelsea to look to seal the deal as soon as possible.