Kurt Zouma has started 22 Premier League games on loan at Everton from Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea.
Everton have stepped up their attempts to sign Kurt Zouma on a permanent basis by asking Chelsea to name their price for the on-loan centre-back, according to the Sun (21 March, page 51).
Chelsea looked to have signed one of the most talented young defenders anywhere in European football when they bought Zouma from St Etienne for £12 million five years ago (BBC).
And the Frenchman certainly looked on track to fulfil his potential until he suffered a cruciate ligament injury against Manchester United in 2016.
But, after a dreadful loan spell at Stoke City that ended in relegation, Zouma is starting to rebuild his reputation during a temporary stay at Goodison Park.
The 24-year-old has started 22 Premier League games for Marco Silva’s team and the Sun believes they would love to keep him on Merseyside, asking Chelsea to inform the club of Zouma’s price-tag.
The Sun adds that Chelsea will not make a decision on Zouma’s future until they know who their manager will be next season, amid ongoing rumours surrounding the future of Maurizio Sarri.
A FIFA-imposed transfer ban threatens to complicate the situation further.
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