Everton could be in a very advantageous position to land Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma as Leicester City close in on Wesley Fofana.
Everton is aggressively evaluating their options in the market as they push to sign a central defender before the end of the transfer window. The names of Jean-Clari Todibo, Gleison Bremer, Fikayo Tomori, Kurt Zouma and Ben Godfrey have been linked. There’s a growing belief of Zouma’s return after a successful loan spell but the Toffees face competition from Leicester City.
According to Daily Mail, Chelsea centre back Kurt Zouma is wanted by Everton and Leicester City with the Blues ready to sell if the right offer arrives on the table. Chelsea signed Thiago Silva, a former Everton target, on a free transfer.
Initially, the Blues were open to loaning Fikayo Tomori and the Merseysiders were the frontrunners for the 22 year old. However, Frank Lampard is keen to keep the centre back and will feature in his plans for the season.
This has now pushed Kurt Zouma’s position into jeopardy. The Toffees are the more interested party than the Foxes as they have very positive reports about the Frenchman.
Zouma spent the 2018-19 season on loan at Goodison and formed a good partnership at the back with Michael Keane. The 25 year old played 32 Premier League games for the Merseysiders in 2018-19 and was part of the defence that kept 10 clean sheets.
Leicester City also fancies signing him as they have a scarcity of option at the back. Jonny Evans is into the final year of his contract and so far not talks of extension have taken place. This justifies their restless search in the market for a centre back. However, Everton may have received a big boost to sign common target Kurt Zouma as Leicester City close in for Wesley Fofana.
Foxes have been long term admirers of Fofana and have made three bids which were rejected by Saint-Etienne. Wesley Fofana has made it clear that he wants to join Leicester City but Etienne will only let him go for a price of €40 million. According to Le10 Sport, Leicester City is set to table the fourth offer of €35+5 million which could be enough to convince the French side.
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Leicester City have already agreed on personal terms with Wesley Fofana with the 19 year old agreeing on a 5 year deal. There’s a good chance that the latest bid by the Foxes will be accepted by Saint-Etienne which would mean Leicester will back out of Kurt Zouma race.
This is very encouraging news for the Royal Blues who would be free to sign the Frenchman. Chelsea are demanding £36 million for Kurt Zouma but with Marcel Brands on the negotiations table, the fans are hopeful that the asking price can be brought down.
Kurt Zouma is an absolute beast who will definitely improve the quality of the backline. Once Mason Holgate is fit, Carlo Ancelotti may have a real headache in choosing the centre back pairing. With 7 days to go before the transfer window ends, talks of Kurt Zouma with Chelsea are expected to occur at a quick rate.
Will Kurt Zouma arrive at Goodison?