Report: £78m Chelsea target wanted by another PL club, they are ready to break their transfer record to sign him

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Chelsea are reportedly in danger of being beaten to the signing of Jules Kounde from Sevilla.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the club are under threat of Newcastle United making a bid which would shatter their club record transfer fee.

The move for the Frenchman has been widely expected, after the Blues missed out on him late last summer.

Rumours of the defender coming to Stamford Bridge have persisted though, with it even being suggested the deal could be done by the end of this month.

This is despite Kounde picking up an injury while on international duty which requires surgery, although it is speculated this was an expected procedure.

Despite all this interest, Newcastle are apparently keen to spoil the party with a late bid of their own.

Mundo Deportivo claim Eddie Howe’s side are also ready to match the France international’s release clause which is in the region of £78m.

The Toon are keen to maintain the outstanding start they’ve made to their rebuild under new ownership, looking for transfers with the same impact as Bruno Guimares and Kieran Trippier.

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If reports that there is competition for Kounde’s signature are true, it is important Chelsea make a statement by getting this deal over the line.

Taking reputation into consideration, it is not a good look for a signing expected for nearly a year to slip through the clubs’ fingers at the last second. In fact, it would mark the worst possible start for new owner Todd Boehly. The good news is, that there doesn’t appear to be too much reason to panic yet, but these latest reports may just push Chelsea forward in their pursuit.

On the pitch, a need for a centre-back is clear for Thomas Tuchel’s side. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have already moved on, and there is speculation Cesar Azpilicueta is not far behind them. If the Blues are going to build a foundation to build on last season, they need to address the issue with a matter of urgency.