Everton open talks with Chelsea for defender Kurt Zouma?

Everton are in discussions with Chelsea about signing Kurt Zouma on a permanent deal, according to a report.

The Toffees took the France international on loan for the 2018-19 campaign and are keen to add him to their squad on a full-time basis.

Having already reached a £22m agreement with Barcelona to keep hold of Andre Gomes, The Telegraph claims that Everton are now looking to shake hands with Chelsea over a deal for Zouma.

The Blues are currently banned from signing any new players for the next year, however, which could see them block the 24-year-old's exit, particularly as Antonio Rudiger looks set to miss the start of the campaign with a knee injury.

Zouma was used 36 times in all competitions by Everton last season, including 32 appearances in the Premier League.