Transfer Talk: Chelsea eyeing crown Jules as Rudiger replacement

Chelsea are still keen on signing Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde — and they could make a move as early as January.

The situation at Stamford Bridge is looking bleak, with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta all running out of contract in the summer.

ESPN report that Sevilla are willing to drop their £68million valuation of Kounde after their group-stage exit from the Champions League.

European champions Chelsea have been keen on the former Bordeaux man since the summer and could finally get their hands on the 23-year-old.

Barcelona are monitoring the situation of Azpilicueta and Rudiger, who could join the Spanish giants on a free transfer should the Blues go all in on Kounde.

The report also suggests that a move is more likely to happen in the summer with managers unwilling to let players leave due to many having depleted squads due to coronavirus.

Football London say that Thomas Tuchel would like to sign both Kounde and Bayern Munich's Niklas Sule to freshen up his defence.

Magpies set to swoop for Vlahovic

Newcastle are keen on snatching Dusan Vlahovic from the grasp of Europe's top clubs as they prepare an offer worth up to £85m.

The Daily Express report that the Magpies are confident that they can pip the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal, who are all interested in the Serbian.

Vlahovic has scored 32 goals in 41 Serie A games in 2021 — only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more in a calendar year in the Italian top flight.

The 21-year-old is contracted at Fiorentina until 2023, but a huge Newcastle offer could tempt La Viola into the sale of their star man.

In other news

Arsenal are keen on a shock move for Manchester United's Mason Greenwood in the summer, according to the Daily Mirror.

Greenwood has been in and out of the United squad due to injury but could be tempted by a move to North London — Barcelona and Juventus are also said to be keen on the England international.

Jose Mourinho wants Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek at Roma, say The Sun.

The 25-year-old has been battling for his place under Tuchel and Mourinho hopes that former team-mate Tammy Abraham can convince Loftus-Cheek to join his project in Italy.