Chelsea are believed to be in pole position to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla.

Chelsea are in need of new centre-backs, after losing the duo of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. 

According to Spanish outlet Marca, the French defender has agreed personal terms with Chelsea –  a five-year contract.

Sevilla are believed to be seeking a fee in the region of £52 million for their 23-year-old player, and negotiations between the two clubs are still ongoing.

However, reports also claim that Chelsea’s position in the race to sign Kounde may be under threat with the emergence of Newcastle United.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Jules Kounde is being targeted by Newcastle United, who are ready to splash the money on new signings this summer.

The Premier League club with new rich owners are said to be willing to outbid Chelsea by putting up a massive €90 million sum to Sevilla which is his release clause.

Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has claimed Chelsea made a mistake in letting go of young defender Fikayo Tomori, although he admitted signing Kounde would be a big plus.

Analysing Kounde signing, Wright-Phillips  told Genting Casino:

“Jules Kounde would be a good signing for Chelsea, he’s young and a very talented defender.

“But Chelsea sold Fikayo Tomori who’s a similar age and I think he barely gave the ball away all season at AC Milan and I just wonder why you would go and buy a player of a similar age, why not just keep the talent you’ve made?

“If Kounde does sign for Chelsea, he’ll have big boots to fill after Antonio Rudiger’s exit.”