Transfer Talk: Kounde boost for Blues as Spurs join Ward-Prowse chase

Sevilla are prepared to let Chelsea target Jules Kounde go — but the Blues must meet the £68million asking price.

Despite talks between the two clubs, the European champions have yet to submit an official bid for the centre-back.

Standard Sport report Chelsea are unwilling to meet the LaLiga outfit's valuation and are still considering making it a player-plus-cash deal.

They had planned to send Kurt Zouma to Spain but it quickly became clear he does not want to leave London. 

Kounde, 22, was linked with Manchester United prior to Raphael Varane’s move and he rejected a switch to Chelsea’s London rivals Tottenham.

Despite selling Bryan Gil to Spurs earlier this summer, sporting director Monchi has confirmed Sevilla will not stand in Kounde's way. 

He said: "Many clubs have asked for Kounde. Of course there's interest but no official bid is on the table.

"I don't know what's going to happen — we will sell if an important bid arrives. This is our policy to improve the team."

Spurs want Ward-Prowse

Tottenham want to battle it out with Aston Villa for the signature of James Ward-Prowse once the Premier League season kicks off.

But Southampton remain steadfast in their belief the midfielder is not for sale at any price this summer.

Saints have already lost Danny Ings to Aston Villa and Jannik Vestergaard is on the verge of completing a move to Leicester.

Now they must ward off interest from Spurs and the ambitious Villans if they are to keep their long-serving captain.

Tottenham have been admirers of Ward-Prowse, 26, since Mauricio Pochettino’s time at the club and The Telegraph report they will now make their interest official.

He played every minute of every Premier League game for Southampton last term and his set-piece expertise could prove invaluable to the North London outfit. 

But Villa have already signalled their intent by splashing the cash on Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey and Ings, suggesting there is no guarantee Ward-Prowse would choose the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over Villa Park.

In other news

Aaron Ramsdale will not be moving to Arsenal after the Gunners refused to meet Sheffield United’s £30m asking price, according to Football.London.

Sky Sports believe Inter Milan are prepared to offer Moise Kean an escape route out of Everton.

Goal report Chelsea have accepted a £34m bid from Roma for striker Tammy Abraham.