Chelsea have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.

Sevilla chief Jose Maria Cruz de Andres has confirmed Kounde wishes to move on – and even name dropped Chelsea as an option.

He said: “Again, the player, I am sure, respects Sevilla FC. He is happy with us. In the case of Kounde, it is not a matter of money. It’s a matter of him wanting to play in a more competitive team than Sevilla FC.

“I am sure he is a player that is attractive for teams like Chelsea, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and these types of teams. He wants to play in a more competitive team.”

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is reportedly happy to stay at Chelsea next season, despite not starting games week in, week out.

The Academy product is happy with his role under boss Thomas Tuchel, according to football.london.

A number of Serie A clubs have been said to hold an interest in the 26-year-old midfielder.

But any switch to Italy would require Loftus-Cheek to take a hefty pay-cut to his current £150,00-a-week deal.