Kurt Zouma off to Napoli?

Italian giants Napoli are hoping to pursue a temporary deal for Kurt Zouma in the January transfer window. The Frenchman has not featured for Chelsea since his nasty knee injury last term.

Zouma, 22, has returned to first-team training at Stamford Bridge, but Conte is reluctant to name him in the matchday squad until he regains full confidence.

According to The Sun, Napoli are eyeing an ambitious loan attempt for Zouma as they bid to offer him playing time in the second half of the campaign.

The Serie A side are unsure over the future of Kalidou Koulibaly, and this has urged them to try out Zouma on a short-term basis before considering a permanent move.

Blues boss Antonio Conte has previously iterated that Zouma remains a key part of his side's plans, and it is highly unlikely he will leave the club in January.