Sevilla boss Monchi has revealed the bizarre transfer saga that saw centre-back Jules Kounde join Barcelona after chaotic negotiations saw him pull out of a move to Chelsea.
Barcelona announced they had finally struck a deal to land the highly-rated French defender after a long-drawn out tale that initially saw Chelsea as one of the favourites to seal his signature.
And now Monchi has pulled the curtain back on a baffling chain of events, claiming Kounde was close to arriving at Stamford Bridge before Chelsea chiefs pulled the plug - then changed their minds - before Barcelona swooped.
'This would have been the third time we'd have told him no. He's a professional but you have to consider the person as well.'
'On Thursday night Koundé was 'sold' to Chelsea. They began to have doubts and pulled out. 'Then Barcelona appeared. The first time Alemany got in contact was on Monday.'
'We received an offer that was lower than what we had in mind, but we renegotiated with them and reached an agreement for a club-record sale.'
'Chelsea came back again, but Barcelona's offer was better.'
More to follow.