Chelsea are in talks with Sevilla over a move for their France international centre back Jules Kounde.
The 22-year old has a buy out clause of £68.4million and has three years left on contract but talks are advancing.
Cash-strapped Sevilla want to recoup as much of that buy-out figure as negotiations intensify, though Chelsea would prefer to offer players as part of the deal.
Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has been made Chelsea's 'prime defensive target'
Thomas Tuchel is looking to improve his options going into his first full season with Chelsea
Sevilla have already rejected a proposal from Tottenham of cash plus Davinson Sanchez while Kounde was content to wait to see what other offers landed.