Everton ‘Confident’ of Landing Kurt Zouma on Season-Long Loan
By Tom Power
Toffees said to be ‘confident’ of landing Chelsea defender on season-long loan as Mina deal continues to stall
Everton‘s attempts to sign a new centre-back this summer has seen them linked with a season-long loan swoop for Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma.
The defender, who isn’t likely to be utilised at Stamford Bridge this term, may head to Goodison Park for the 2018/19 campaign.
A report from the Mirror has suggested as much and, with the Toffees desperate for defensive reinforcements, seem to think that a deal is on the cards.
Everton are believed to be ‘confident’ of landing the France international on loan as Blues boss Marco Silva looks to secure centre-half cover.
Everton have allowed Ramiro Funes Mori and Ashley Williams to leave for Valencia and Stoke City respectively – the latter being the club that Zouma spent last season on loan at.
The 23-year-old played well during his spell in the Potteries but couldn’t prevent the Staffordshire side from slipping out of the Premier League into the Championship.
He is now being eyed by Silva and Everton as they look to add a fourth option at centre-back alongside captain Phil Jagielka, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate.
Everton had hoped to secure the permanent signing of Yerry Mina from Barcelona for a fee worth around £28.5m.
However, the Catalan giants are refusing to budge over their valuation for the Colombia international and Everton are almost certain to move on to other targets.
The transfer window slams shut at 11pm UK time on Thursday so clubs in England’s top flight only have 36 hours to conduct any last-minute business.
Everton could yet force a breakthrough in negotiations with Barcelona as the clock ticks down, but that would be a huge risk if it meant they didn’t bring in another centre-half.
The Blues have also been touted as a temporary home for Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo, but Zouma is now front and centre of their list of targets.
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A product of the Saint Etienne youth academy, Zouma has featured 71 times for Chelsea during his four-year career in west London and made 37 appearances for Stoke last season.