Chelsea youngster, Kurt Zouma, is the most sought after defender in the transfer market currently and if reports are to be believed, West Bromwich Albion are considering a loan move for the player.
Zouma was bought from St Etienne in 2014 and since then has been mostly used as a backup so far. Antonio Conte already roped in Antonio Rudiger from AS Roma so he won’t stand in his way and would let him leave but only on a temporary basis.
Zouma reportedly has held talks with the Baggies over a potential move as Tony Pulis has his concerns over his backline. They have one of the leanest squads among the Premier League clubs and Pulis wants to add some significant numbers to bolster his squad depth.
They have already knocked back a bid from Leicester City for Johny Evans who is considering his future after the departure of Darren Fletcher to Stoke City.
Apart from Evans, the only recognised centre-back in the squad is Gareth McAuley but the Northern Ireland international is 37, so Pulis would prefer a younger defender to partner Evans in the heart of the defence.
Zouma had been sidelined for most of the season and has been restricted to only 17 appearances in all competitions last time for the Blues. The English champions are currently very well organised in the defensive section so they might consider loaning the player for a year and are ready to wait for his development.
Craig Dawson could be another option for Pulis but the centre-back has been turned into more of a right back and Pulis is likely to continue with him next season.
Chelsea’s loan policy for youngsters has often hampered the development of the players and Zouma underwent a similar situation before. After landing the defender in the winter transfer window of 2014, Chelsea immediately sent the player back to his parent club on loan.
Despite his bit part role, Zouma has already won two Premier League medals and he has been chased by a vast number of clubs including the likes of Sevilla, Valencia, Inter Milan, Lyon and Nice.
Pulis earned rave reviews for his side’s highly rated defensive performances last season. West Brom have one of the most solid team defensively and the credit solely goes to Pulis who himself was a defender in his playing career.
So it would be a added bonus for Zouma to hone his skills under the tutelage of Pulis next season.
