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Chelsea's pursuit of Jules Kounde is reportedly over with the Blues unwilling to meet Sevilla's new valuation of the Frenchman after the Spaniards unexpectedly hiked his price up.

Kounde, 22, appeared destined to move to Stamford Bridge this summer with Chelsea and Sevilla reaching an agreement over a £43million fee for the defender.  

However, The Athletic reports that Chelsea have now halted their swoop for Kounde, in a concerning blow with just hours before the summer window slams shut. 

Earlier reports had suggested that Sevilla's new price for Kounde was £68.5m - a figure much closer to his release clause - while The Athletic report that the price has increased by £12.8m.  

The Blues have, as a result, decided not to increase their offer and will elect to be left with their current defensive options until the January transfer window. 

Despite selling Kurt Zouma to West Ham for £30m, Thomas Tuchel has plenty of defensive options at his disposal, including Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James.