French football expert Adam White has alleged that Chelsea are set to beat a host of rivals to the signing of Jules Kounde as an agreement is already in place.

The Champions League holders, according to Spanish media outlet Orgullo de Nervion, are closing in on the signing of France international Kounde. The report states the deal is almost complete and the central defender will more than double the salary he currently boasts at La Liga outfit Sevilla if he exits for Stamford Bridge.

While Chelsea are keen for Kurt Zouma to leave the club, with West Ham United failing to entice the 26-year-old to London Stadium, head coach Thomas Tuchel has made signing a central defender a top priority.

Despite plying his trade at the heart of the back four, Kounde displayed his capabilities in the opposition penalty area by scoring four goals and registering one assist in 49 Sevilla appearances last season.

The highly-rated 22-year-old's fine form in Spain resulted in him being called up for France's Euro 2020 squad, where he featured once.

Get French Football News’ White insists Kounde would bolster Chelsea's chances of building on their Champions League success in the upcoming campaign.

He told Football FanCast: "I love Kounde as a player - he's fantastic. I think that every major club is interested. I have a feeling that he is on the radar of Chelsea, all of the traditional top six in the Premier League, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus. He is that good.

"Chelsea seem to have acted at the right time and it sounds like a contract has been agreed. He would be a great signing for Chelsea if they can get it over the line."