Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde is determined to leave the club this summer and is determined to join LaLiga rivals Barcelona.
The France international has been subject of long-term interest from Premier League side Chelsea for some time, and it is believed that Barca may now attempt to hijack the deal.
And according to Mundo Deportivo, it is the player’s intention to play at the Nou Camp next season.
But it is not so simple as Kounde getting his dream move this summer, and he may have to set his sights elsewhere amid Barca’s ongoing financial issues.
The Catalan giants are waiting to finalise a sale of 10% of their television rights before June 30 so that they can make any major moves in the transfer market, and the move for Kounde is financially unviable until this happens.
It’s said that Barcelona have ‘agreed a deal in principle’ with their LaLiga rivals, which would see them pay £51million and send a player in the opposite direction.
Barcelona are trying to include American international Sergino Dest in the move – who has been linked to a host of clubs across Europe this summer.
Sevilla are thought to be inclined towards the move, having spent the last two seasons rejecting offers for the young France international.
However, they would expect to receive a large sum for one of Europe’s most sought-after young defenders.
And the £55million fee Mundo Deportivo are reporting could be beyond Barca’s means, but may pave the way for Thomas Tuchel to land his target.
Kounde is reportedly keen to play under Xavi due to the Barca and Spain legend’s ‘desire’ to sign the 23-year-old and is impressed by the manager’s commitment after informing Gerard Pique he had no future at the club.
Barcelona have also been heavily linked with Robert Lewandowski, with Dest previously touted as someone who could head to the Bundesliga giants.