Everton want to sign Kurt Zouma on a permanent deal from Chelsea this summer and have entered talks with their Premier League rivals, claims The Daily Telegraph.
Marco Silva’s side agreed a €25m fee with Barcelona for Andre Gomes on Thursday and are now looking to targeting Zouma’s arrival.
Both players spent last season on loan at Goodison Park and Everton want to make their deals permanent before looking at strengthening elsewhere.
One stumbling block Everton need to overcome is convincing Chelsea to part ways with Zouma when they might have to start their FIFA-imposed transfer ban this summer.
Chelsea could end up selling Zouma without the capacity to replace the France international and they have already released Gary Cahill this summer.
There is also the fact Chelsea do not have a manager after sanctioning Maurizio Sarri’s move to Juventus and Zouma could fit into his replacement’s plans.
Antonio Rudiger is also expected to miss the start of next season as he continues to recover from a knee injury, leaving Chelsea with the prospect of entering the new campaign with only two senior centre-backs.
Nevertheless, Everton are pushing ahead with their interest and hope to overcome those obstacles to sign Zouma.
The 24-year-old made 32 league appearances in the Premier League last season and even played a direct hand in four league goals (two goals, two assists).
