Peter O’Rourke stated that Sevilla want to replace Chelsea-linked Jules Kounde with Schalke defender Ozan Kabak.
Speaking on the Terrace YouTube channel, O’Rourke explained how Kabak could help accelerate the Blues signing of Kounde.
All of Chelsea’s focus in the past few weeks has been on securing Romelu Lukaku’s move from Inter Milan.
All other transfer stories have taken a back seat whilst this divulges, including Kounde’s potential transfer to Stamford Bridge.
However, with Lukaku all but sealed, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy can turn their attentions back toward the Sevilla centre-back.
Kabak attack
The Spanish side obviously would like to locate a replacement for their young Frenchman and have identified several options.
Kurt Zouma was initially offered as part of a swap plus cash deal for Kounde, one Sevilla rejected.
Instead, as O’Rourke claims, they have their eyes on Kabak of Schalke.
He said: “From what I’m hearing is that Sevilla have shown an interest in former Liverpool loanee Ozan Kabak, who obviously spent the second half of the season on loan at Anfield.
“Liverpool decided not to make his loan move permanent so he has gone back to Schalke.
“Schalke are willing to cash in on Kabak.
“Kabak doesn’t want to go back to Schalke and play in the second division in Germany either after Schalke’s relegation.
“If they can bring him in, I think that will then speed things up with Jules Kounde and move him to Chelsea.”
Kabak was with the Reds from January onwards, with whom he made 13 appearances across all competitions.
It is understandable the Turkish international would want out from his current situation, considering Schalke’s fall from the Bundesliga.
Permitted Sevilla do get the 21-year-old, it would open the doorway for Chelsea to snatch Kounde.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
