Kounde trains alone as he edges closer to Chelsea move

Speculation over the future of Jules Kounde continues to roll on in a week that is expected to be decisive.

Chelsea, the only club to have made an offer, through Jorge Mendes, informed Sevilla of their intention to raise their bid to 55 million pounds, almost 65 million euros.

For the moment, no formal offer has been accepted by Sevilla and Kounde himself is happy to accept the offer, with a contract for five seasons, as agreed almost a year ago.

The operation is in its final stages, while Kounde himself continues to fulfil his obligations with his current club.

The Frenchman returned to training on Wednesday, remaining in the gym as he is recovering from the operation he underwent at the start of his holiday.

This morning he was seen on another pitch at the team's training ground with a coach, while his teammates later went out onto the main pitch at the Ciudad Deportiva for another session.

Julen Lopetegui watched as Kounde went to the gym, one of the last times he will see him wearing the Sevilla shirt.

This afternoon the Sevilla squad will leave for Lagos, Portugal, but the French defender won't be on the plane.

Sevilla have provided a squad list of 31 players for the trip, which does not include the French defender.

His move to Chelsea should not take long, while Barcelona are still hoping that a change of heart from the player himself could force the situation.

But they do not see this departure as possible, unless Barcelona can beat the Blues' offer.

Kounde is a step away from Chelsea. In the meantime, he continues to train alone for Sevilla.