Everton have been linked with signing Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma on a permanent deal.
According to a report in The Telegraph, Everton have opened talks with Chelsea about signing Kurt Zouma on a permanent deal – a transfer which could hinder Derby County’s chances of re-signing Fikayo Tomori.
The report claims The Toffees have turned their full attentions to signing Zouma after agreeing a £22 million deal to sign Andre Gomes. The two players spent last season on loan at Goodison Park.
Zouma signing for Everton this summer would leave Chelsea short of senior defenders on their books following Gary Cahill’s exit from Stamford Bridge.
The Blues still have David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, but they will want four central defenders next term and their transfer ban leaves them utilising the current players at their disposal.
Tomori enjoyed a terrific season on loan at Derby last season. The young central defender played an integral part in the Rams’ bid for promotion as the East Midlands club were ultimately defeated in the playoff final.
For his contribution, Tomori won the Fans’ Player of the Year award and supporters are desperate for the player to return to Pride Park next season whether by loan or on an unlikely permanent deal.
The BBC quote Tomori as saying he would be open to returning to Derby next season, but Chelsea’s situation means they will need to keep hold of at least one centre-back and the England U21 international stands out.
Should Frank Lampard take over as Chelsea’s new manager, he will know all about the 21-year-old. Tomori made over 50 appearances for Derby last season, and his potential is huge.
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