Chelsea centre-back Kurt Zouma has not handed in a transfer request in a bid to force through a permanent move to Everton, according to Paul Brown.
The Daily Star, Express and Mirror journalist understands the Frenchman currently has no plans to force his way out of the Stamford Bridge outfit, and has instead been given a boost to his chances of a first-team role under Frank Lampard as Fikayo Tomori could leave on loan.
Everton appeared to have landed a major boost in our efforts to retain Zouma following his season on loan when the Mirror, as cited by the Express, claimed the Frenchman had handed in a transfer request over the weekend.
It was suggested the 24-year-old had become aware of his limited chances of first-team football in London with David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger likely ahead in the pecking order, leaving Zouma intent on joining the Toffees on a permanent basis.
The defender’s return to the international stage over the past season was alleged to have played a part in his decision to quit Chelsea with next year’s Euro 2020 on the horizon, but it now appears he would prefer to challenge for minutes under Lampard.
Brown’s claim will be music to the ears of the former England midfielder now at the Stamford Bridge helm, after he declared: “He’s a Chelsea player and I want him,” when questioned over Zouma’s future.
It will not be pleasant hearing for Marco Silva, though, as the boss had pinpointed Zouma as one of his priority targets this summer following his successful year on Merseyside as part of our backline.
Everton could yet come to an agreement with Chelsea over the centre-half’s future, but moving on from the Frenchman could be the easier option with Deadline Day rapidly approaching.
Here’s how these Blues fans reacted after Brown rubbished the speculation of Zouma handing in a transfer request…
It’s the hope that kills you.
— d.w. (@ffg) July 21, 2019
Fake news all along
— steve Jones (@skjones505) July 21, 2019
Knew that all along muppets making up story’s
— Robert Sadler (@RobertS03007176) July 21, 2019
Zouma more likely be next man on moon than submit transfer request!
— Nick (@newtownnick71) July 21, 2019
Shock lol
— Michael Short (@Michael89770191) July 21, 2019
Without a doubt he’s better being with us but what’s to be will be ????COYB
— Jason boza (@BosanquetBoza) July 21, 2019
Not yet but he will .
— stevie (@stevie89940908) July 21, 2019
But wait we was told……
— Thomas Mccarten (@Thomasmccarten1) July 21, 2019