Chelsea are ahead of Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign Saint-Etienne defender Kurt Zouma, according to reports.
The 18-year-old is highly-rated in France after already establishing himself in Saint-Etienne's first team.
However, he has been the subject of interest from several top European clubs, including Chelsea and Dortmund, but according to ESPN, the Frenchman would prefer a move to England.
Agent Daniel Venditelli said: "Liverpool, Juventus and Manchester United were interested, but they cooled when they learned of Saint-Etienne's asking price.
"There is, however, an English club and a German side still in the running."
The France Under-20 international has already made 46 appearances for Saint-Etienne.
