Chelsea central defender Kurt Zouma has reportedly turned down the opportunity to join West Ham.
The 26-year-old emerged as a leading target for the Hammers as David Moyes goes in search of defensive reinforcements.
Zouma was quickly installed as the favourite to arrive at the London Stadium despite the two clubs being apart on their valuation of the Frenchman.
Now, according to a report from the Guardian, as cited by West Ham Fan Zone on Twitter, the ace has refused to make the move across the capital.
Twitter: Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma has rejected a move to West Ham.
(via @JacobSteinberg) https://t.co/vbpmL9KrcA (@WHUFCFZ)
The report claims both Chelsea and West Ham have been left frustrated by the decision as the Blues look to sign Sevilla star Jules Kounde as a replacement.
Last season the eight-times capped France ace made 36 appearances across all competitions as Thomas Tuchel’s side lifted the UEFA Champions League.
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West Ham will likely switch their attention to Fiorentina star Nikola Milenkovic following this news.
Currently, Moyes has Craig Dawson, Winston Reid, Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna as the only senior central defensive options – with the latter sidelined.
Danish youngster Frederik Alves is perhaps the next in line, leaving a worrying lack of strength in depth given the impending Europa League demands.
