Chelsea are not giving up in their pursuit of Jules Kounde from Sevilla.

The Spanish club have officially sold centre-half Diego Carlos to Aston Villa.

Such a sale means their need to bring in funds is lessened, which could result in them asking for more money from Chelsea for Kounde.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Kounde is still Chelsea's no.1 defensive target to replace the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, who are leaving on free transfers.

They are ready to put in an official bid as soon as their takeover is ratified in the coming weeks.

Chelsea want to pay around £59 million for Kounde, but acknowledge the Diego Carlos sale may result in Sevilla raising the price.