Kounde joins Sevilla tour: What this means for Chelsea transfer

The transfer saga surrounding Jules Kounde has taken another turn with news that the Frenchman has joined up with Sevilla's pre-season tour of Portugal despite initially being omitted.

Barcelona and Chelsea are locked in a battle to sign the 23-year-old defender this summer, with both Xavi and Thomas Tuchel keen to add more reinforcement at the back this window.

The pair have already dipped into the market for one centre-back each, Andreas Christensen for Barcelona and Kalidou Koulibaly for Chelsea, but Kounde is being heavily pursued by both.

According to multiple reports, the player is happy to join either team, while Sevilla would reportedly rather sell to Chelsea in order to avoid strengthening a direct rival. However, the decision ultimately lays at Kounde's feet.

It's believed that Chelsea wished for Kounde to miss Sevilla's tour to Portugal in order to finalise a deal, while Barcelona have read positive signs into his decision to join his current team-mates for pre-season.

Barcelona have reportedly urged Kounde to delay his transfer decision and wait for them to match Sevilla's asking price in order for them to beat Chelsea to his signature.

Sevilla have said they will listen to Barcelona's offer, but Chelsea have remained confident in landing the France international due to a superior wage package and a strong offer to Kounde's current employers.

Kounde included in Sevilla's pre-season squad

After initially missing out on Sevilla's travelling squad to Portugal, Kounde completed a U-turn and will now travel for pre-season. Barcelona believe this decision will buy them time to make a suitable offer to Sevilla. However, so far they haven't presented a formal bid, whereas Chelsea have come to a verbal agreement on the price and are in advanced negotiations with both the player and the club.

According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, Chelsea believe they have won the race for Kounde as Barca submitted a bid and have accepted they can’t match Chelsea's offer. Sevilla and Chelsea reportedly have reached an agreement with only minor points being finalised.