Report: Spurs were near front of queue for £76m star, now Chelsea have agreed deal

Tue 19 July 2022 19:15, UK Updated Tue 19 July 2022 19:33, UK

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde in recent months.

And last week, a report suggested Spurs were very much in the race to sign the £76m-rated defender.

The report claimed Tottenham had ‘jumped towards the front of the queue’ for Kounde.

This was in wake of Chelsea targeting – and ultimately signing – Kalidou Koulibaly.

However, it looks as though the Blues have now got a deal over the line for the player.

According to , the west Londoners have agreed a £55m deal for the France international.

They will pay £51m up front, with £4m in add-ons, claimed the report.

Apparently, Kounde has already spoken to Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and even hopes to join his new club for the last few days of their US tour.

Can Spurs remain in Kounde race?

Bad news for Tottenham, whose search for another centre-back looks set to continue.

Spurs have already signed Clement Lenglet on loan, but Antonio Conte wants another centre-back.

Cameron Carter-Vickers has left, and Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon remain linked with moves away.

Kounde is one of the most exciting defenders around right now.

He is a ‘‘ player, with the ability on the ball of a composed playmaking-midfielder.

However, it looks as though Chelsea have beaten Tottenham to his services.