Chelsea could pocket £7m from French starlet’s spell away from the club

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma looks likely to join Stoke City on a season long loan, according to the Evening Standard. The Sun believe that rivals West Bromwich Albion were put off by the sizeable £7m loan fee that the Blues are demanding for the player.

The French international is expected to sign a new four year deal to remain at Stamford Bridge before heading out on loan. It is believed the centre back had offers from more than 20 clubs but the player reportedly expressed a desire to remain in England.

Zouma only played in three Premier League games last season under manager Antonio Conte but it took him until November to fully recover from a serious knee injury he sustained during the 2015/16 campaign.

The 22 year old will likely use his time away from Chelsea to rediscover his best form after such a long absence from regular first team action. Chelsea will be looking for a guarantee from Stoke that he will be a fixture in the starting eleven for the Potters next season.