Barcelona are expected to make their bid for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde on Monday after the player indicated he would be willing to accept their terms.
Chelsea have a £55m deal in place with Sevilla but are still waiting for confirmation and have doubts that Barca will match it. Bordeaux are also due a 20 per cent sell-on.
However, Barcelona coach Xavi has spoken to Kounde and they have a growing confidence they can steal a player from beneath Chelsea's noses for a second time following their deal for Raphinha.