Everton are chasing the permanent signature of defender Kurt Zouma.
Everton boss Marco Silva has told the Liverpool Echo that he is hopeful that a deal will be done for Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma.
The Toffees signed Jonas Lossl earlier this summer, but then moved to sign loanee Andre Gomes permanently from Barcelona – and want a similar move for Zouma.
Zouma, 24, spent last season on loan at Goodison Park, with Chelsea unwilling to really give him a first-team role having just suffered relegation on loan at Stoke City.
The Frenchman bounced back at Everton though, enjoying a fine season under Silva whilst thriving alongside Michael Keane in the heart of defence.
Zouma has returned to Chelsea this summer, but finds himself behind the likes of Antonio Rudiger, David Luiz and Andreas Christensen, whilst Fikayo Tomori has returned to Stamford Bridge too.
Given that Chelsea have a transfer ban this summer, they may be reluctant to sell Zouma, but Everton are still pursuing a move for the former Saint-Etienne man.
BBC Sport report that Everton want Zouma in a deal which would be worth around £30million, and the Toffees will be hoping to get a deal done sooner rather than later.
Now, boss Silva has commented on the situation, admitting that he is hopeful of signing Zouma, believing fans would be given a ‘fantastic feeling’ if he stays at the club, but he has other targets in mind if no move materialises.
“I am hopeful,” said Silva. “I think I am hopeful like all of our fans are but I have to tell you that we have different solutions because we cannot just have one solution. I have different solutions in my mind but I am hopeful and if we can give our fans this fantastic feeling it will be key. But, if not, we have to go in a different way but it is part of the market, part of creating a squad.” he added.
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