Barcelona appear to have conceded defeat in their move to hijack Chelsea’s deal to sign Sevilla defender, Jules Kounde.

Barcelona President Joan Laporta has suggested that the Blues have won the race to sign the player.

Sevilla have already accepted Chelsea’s £55 million bid for Kounde this week and the French international has agreed a five-year contract.

However, reports emerged from Europe on Thursday saying the player had made a U-turn on the move and is now patiently waiting for Barcelona to submit their bid to Sevilla.

Barcelona have not made any offer for the French defender despite having a huge interest in signing him, mainly because their transfer plans have been hindered due to their financial situation.

The Catalan club now appear to have accepted defeat in their attempts to match Chelsea’s proposal.

In a conversation with a Barcelona supporter which was captured by Relevo, Laporta was asked if the club was signing Kounde, to which he replied: “No, he is going to sign for Chelsea.”

Chelsea could have concerns that Kounde actually wants to join Barcelona after the Frenchman decided to join Sevilla’s squad for their pre-season preparations in Portugal on Thursday.