EVERTON have reportedly launched a bid to make Kurt Zouma’s loan deal permanent after agreeing a fee with Barcelona for Andre Gomes.
The short-term signings played a key role in the spine of Marco Silva’s team last season.
And the Telegraph claims talks have been opened with Chelsea over Zouma as Gomes gets ready to make a £22million switch.
Everton face major obstacles to getting a move over the line as the Blues cannot sign a replacement.
With Gary Cahill leaving and Antonio Rudiger injured for the start of the season, there is a shortage of central defenders at Stamford Bridge.
And even if they are willing to sell, highly-rated Zouma will not come cheap.
Eveton held off competition from Tottewnham and West Ham to land classy playmaker Gomes.
The Hammers offered £25m for the midfielder, while Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino was also keen to add him to his squad.
But in a boost for Silva, the ace made it clear that he wanted to stay at Everton, where he has established himself as a fans’ favourite and gets on well with his manager
Gomes’ reluctance to consider a move to another Premier League team has scuppered Barcelona’s hopes of starting an auction for a player who cost them almost £40m when they signed him from Valencia in 2016.
And Everton have recouped the majority of that fee by offloading Nikola Vlasic to CSKA Moscow for £14m.
