West Ham United are keen on landing the signature of Kurt Zouma from Chelsea before this month's transfer deadline.

The Frenchman was in-and-out of the starting line-up last term, and there has been speculation that he could leave the club.

He has been a regular starter in pre-season, but there are doubts whether he can sustain his place when the team is at full strength.

Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Andrea Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta are ahead of him in the pecking order for a centre-back role.

The competition could further increase with anticipated arrival of another centre-back. The Blues want to land Jules Kounde.

Zouma has entered the final two years of his Blues contract, but the club are reluctant to lose him for less than £30 million.

The Hammers can't afford the price tag as things stand. They will be hoping to negotiate a lesser fee towards the end of the month.

Zouma could start Chelsea's UEFA Super Cup clash against Villarreal tomorrow.