West Ham agree deal for Chelsea defender

West Ham United have agreed to meet the asking price for Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma, Fabrizio Romano reports.

The Frenchman has been touted to leave the Blues this month, and the Hammers have now finalised a deal worth €30m.

However, they are still far off from signing the central defender due to major differences when it comes to personal terms.

Zouma is eyeing a salary of around €140,000-a-week that would make him the highest earner at the east London outfit.

The Hammers are unlikely to come close to that figure. Negotiations are ongoing to find a suitable deal with the player.

The Blues are keen on pursuing Jules Kounde from Sevilla. The Frenchman could cost between €65-70m, as per Marca.

The club are recouping funds for a late approach. They are likely to make an offer when Zouma heads through the exit door.

Zouma was previously offered in a part-exchange deal for Kounde, but Sevilla made it clear that they want only cash.