Everton to miss out on Kurt Zouma deal?

Everton are reportedly facing a battle to sign Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma on a permanent deal.

Zouma has spent the 2018-19 campaign on loan at Everton, making 35 appearances during a strong season.

The 24-year-old has a contract at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2023, however, and as it stands, will return to his parent club in this summer's transfer window.

The Toffees are said to be keen to sign the centre-back on a permanent deal, but according to the Liverpool Echo, Chelsea are planning to start pre-season with Zouma in their ranks.

The report has claimed that Everton will fight hard to land the Frenchman, but a deal could hinge on whether Chelsea manage to lift their FIFA-imposed transfer ban.