Barcelona are on the verge of finalising a deal for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

It was widely claimed that the Blaugrana were expected to lose out to Chelsea in the race for Kounde’s signature.

However, a day later, contrasting reports emerged that the Catalan giants were ready to do a deal with their league rivals, with the Frenchman not in any rush to commit to joining the Blues.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barca are now just “one step closer” from announcing the signing of the 23-year-old defender.

Romano says that discussions have “progressed very well” with the centre-back and his agent now waiting on the two clubs to finalise terms.

Xavi’s side are allegedly prepared to pay £55m for the centre-back, who will become the club’s fifth major signing of the summer after the arrival of Andreas Christensen, Franck Kessie, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.