Everton prepare talks with Chelsea to sign 24-year-old defender

Everton are reportedly planning discussions with Chelsea to secure the signature of Kurt Zouma on a permanent deal.

The Frenchman spent the previous campaign on loan with the Toffees and he proved an influential figure as they made a strong end to the campaign.

According to The Telegraph, the Toffees are currently close to wrapping up the signature of midfielder Andre Gomes from Barcelona following his impressive loan stint last term.

The report adds that the club will thereafter shift their attention towards landing Zouma, who formed a brilliant partnership alongside Michael Keane at the heart of the backline.

Chelsea are presently banned from signing players for the next 12 months and the possibility of Antonio Rudiger missing the opening part of the season through a knee injury could see them block any advances for Zouma.

The former Saint-Etienne man made 36 appearances for the Toffees during the previous campaign and out of those, 32 resulted in the Premier League where the club just missed out on Europa League football.