Reports in the London Evening Standard state that French international defender Kurt Zouma will sign a new deal with Chelsea before heading out on-loan to Stoke City next season. The 22-year-old has been struggling to get back into first-team action since suffering a cruciate ligament injury last February and it seemed as though his career at Stamford Bridge looked to be over.
 

Valencia have been heavily linked with his services but Blues boss Antonio Conte is understood to be keen on keeping the player but wants him to go elsewhere next term to get regular first-team appearances under his belt. Having made just three Premier League stats last season, it will come as a surprise to some Chelsea fans that a new four-year contract has been put on the table but it’s believed the Italian is still prepared to give Zouma a chance if he can get back to full fitness next season.
 

West Bromwich Albion are also believed to be interested in a loan move but Stoke remain firmly in pole-position. Boss Mark Hughes stated earlier this week that; “"There is genuine interest. We'd like to make it happen if we can. The boy himself has to make a decision. We are one of many interested parties but we're very hopeful. We're still doing a number of deals."