Talks
are progressing over a deal which would see Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma move
to Premier League rivals West Ham.
The clubs are negotiating a deal worth in the region of £25m for the France
international, who has not featured in either of Chelsea's Premier League
games so far this season.
Personal terms between Zouma and West Ham are yet to be finalised.
Zouma has been David Moyes' primary target for defensive strengthening all
summer, although the Hammers have also been linked with Fiorentina's Nikola
Milenkovic and Marseille's Duje Caleta-Car.
The 26-year-old has been with Chelsea since January 2014, when he joined the
club from Saint-Etienne.
Zouma scored five goals last season, which was one of his most prolific in
terms of appearances until Thomas Tuchel took over as head coach from Frank
Lampard.
He was an unused substitute in the opening two Premier League games of this
season, wins over Crystal Palace and Arsenal - but did start the Super Cup
clash with Villarreal.
Could Kounde replace Zouma at the Bridge?
Zouma's departure could lead to the arrival of another defender, with
Chelsea having consistently been linked with Sevilla's Jules Kounde.
Sky Sports News reported last month that Kounde, one of Europe's most
promising defenders, and Chelsea had been in talks but he remains a Sevilla
player for now and has started both of their LaLiga games this season.
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