Barcelona are ready to wreck Chelsea plans for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

Sport says Barcelona's improving financial situation looks set to leave Chelsea's transfer dealings in disarray.

The LaLiga giants have now emerged as favourites to land Kounde after members agreed cash injection courtesy of a media and merchandise rights sell off.

The French centre-back has long been courted by the Blues, but they were held back in their attempts to complete the signing while under government sanctions.

Rather than matching Chelsea's €80m bid, Barca are preparing a €60m offer plus an unnamed player in exchange.

It is thought that Kounde's preference would be a move to Catalonia.