Chelsea to make final approach after £47million Jules Kounde transfer bid REJECTED as Sevilla hold out for £60m

CHELSEA have reportedly had a £47million bid for Jules Kounde rejected - but will make a final offer before tonight's deadline.

And Sevilla are desperately holding out for £60m for their French international star.

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The Blues remain very keen on landing the centre-back ahead of the 11pm transfer window cutout.

But the deal remains in the balance with hours to go - despite the clubs reportedly having a verbal agreement in place for a £43m fee just days ago.

According to journalist , Chelsea will need to go closer to matching the £68m release clause in Kounde's Sevilla contract.

However, Fabrizio Romano added there is still hope from Stamford Bridge of a transfer getting over the line as they prepare one final approach today.

He tweeted: "Chelsea had a complicated and tense day for Jules Kounde negotiations with Sevilla.

"Deal on the verge of collapsing many times but today Chelsea will try again with final approach.

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"Sevilla are so strong on their position.";

He also added any deal for Saul Niguez to move to Chelsea this summer has been blocked.

Kounde, 22, was a high priority for Thomas Tuchel this summer.

Fellow LaLiga and France defender Raphael Varane joined Manchester United.

But Chelsea sold Fikayo Tomori for £25m to AC Milan, Marc Guehi to Crystal Palace for £20m and most recently received £29.8m for Kurt Zouma from West Ham.

And with Romelu Lukaku the only significant addition this summer, a new central defender appeared to be needed.

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