Zouma ‘would welcome’ West Ham move

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma would reportedly favour a move to West Ham if he leaves Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Hammers are said to be ready to pay in the region of £20 million for the French centre-back – which is believed to be considerably less than the asking price.

Zouma faces the prospect of falling further down the pecking order if the Blues sign his fellow Frenchman Jules Kounde.

Chelsea are keen on Kounde and there has been speculation that Zouma could join Sevilla in a part-exchange deal.

However, according to Sky’s Dharmesh Sheth, Zouma would rather make the move across to east London.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Sheth said: “West Ham are prepared to pay around £20m for Kurt Zouma, which falls below Chelsea’s valuation of the player.

“As far as Zouma himself is concerned, he is settled in London and, as it stands, it is thought he would welcome the move to West Ham ahead of being part of that potential swap.”

Zouma has made 99 league appearances for Chelsea since being signed from St Etienne in 2014.

He has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular at the club and now looks set to move on.