After successfully turning Andre Gomes’ loan into a permanent move this summer, Everton were hoping to do the same with Kurt Zouma.
The Frenchman has never really had a shot at Chelsea and has made it clear he would be happy to return to Goodison Park permanently.
However, with a new manager in Frank Lampard and a transfer ban, Chelsea are currently assessing their options and that could see Zouma finally given his chance to stake a claim.
Should that happen, Everton will be on the hunt for alternatives and it appears that Lille centre back Adama Soumaoro could be one of them.
La Voix du Nord report the 27-year-old is negotiating his exit from the Ligue 1 club and looks likely to leave this summer.
Everton are one of those said to be interested, with the newspaper suggesting he has already been negotiating with them. Crystal Palace are named as another Premier League suitor.
Negotiations are underway, although the newspaper says he could stay in France as Monaco have come forward to ‘snatch his services’. Lille want €12-15m if they are going to allow a sale.
Everton and Crystal Palace could afford that. In fact, such an asking price would be considered a bargain for both of those clubs.
The Toffees are unlikely to make their interest firm until they know what’s happening with Zouma, though. He’s their primary target and they’re not going to spend elsewhere until they’re certain they can’t get him back.
