Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly confident of raiding former employers Chelsea for the signing of defender Kurt Zouma.
According to a report from the Daily Express, Chelsea star Kurt Zouma could be set for a summer switch to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with the club increasingly confident of sealing a transfer.
The 25-year-old Zouma signed for Chelsea in 2014, with now Spurs’ boss Jose Mourinho handing him his debut for the Blues. While the Frenchman showed great promise in his early days at Stamford Bridge, injuries derailed his development, which eventually led to him losing his spot in the side.
Having spent the past couple of seasons out on loan at Stoke City and Everton respectively, Zouma was able to work his way back into the Chelsea first-team setup this term. In fact, he started the season as the first-choice centre-back for manager Frank Lampard.
However, inconsistent form has seen him drop behind Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger in the pecking order. With Lampard keen on recruiting Declan Rice to bolster his defensive ranks, he is ready to sanction a sale for one of the defenders currently on the books, with Zouma emerging as the likeliest candidate to face the axe.
This has put Tottenham on high-alert as Mourinho is reportedly keen on a reunion with his former protege. Spurs have endured a poor 2019/20 campaign, with their defence struggling to step up to the plate. None of the centre-backs – Davinson Sanchez, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Eric Dier, have been nearly consistent enough over the course of the season.
Furthermore, Vertonghen’s contract is up at the end of the season and with the Belgian set to leave, Tottenham are in need of strengthening at the back, making Zouma a viable target. While the Frenchman has had his fair share of inconsistencies, Mourinho is believed to be an admirer and wants him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the next season.
Along with Chelsea, Everton too are interested in signing the Frenchman, after he impressed on loan at Goodison Park in the last season.
The Blues reportedly want £25 million for their defender, which might prove to be a stumbling block, given Spurs’ dire financial situation. However, Mourinho remains confident of prying away the 25-year-old Zouma from Chelsea in the summer.
The former Saint-Etienne star has featured 35 times for Chelsea this season, including starting their last two matches. He still has three years left on his current contract. However, his time at Stamford Bridge could be nearing an end. It remains to be seen if Spurs do end up signing him before next season.
