West Ham have reportedly found a ‘verbal agreement’ with Chelsea for the transfer of central defender Kurt Zouma this summer.
The Hammers are in desperate need of additional defensive options as the transfer window draws towards a close in the next eight days.
Zouma has been linked with a switch across London for a number of weeks and could now be closer than ever to joining David Moyes’ side.
That’s according to a report from The Athletic, as cited by David Ornstein on Twitter, claiming the two clubs are set on a transfer fee.
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The report claims that personal terms remain a ‘sticking point’ in negotiations as the 26-year-old Frenchman seeks to earn a ‘significant salary increase’ following the move.
Zouma, who is yet to feature for the Blues in the Premier League this season amidst transfer speculation, would prefer to stay in London, with Tottenham also reportedly interested.
Last season the eight-times capped ace made 36 appearances across all competitions and scored five league goals.
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Valued at £28.8million and under contract until 2023 at Stamford Bridge (Transfermarkt), the mooted £25million fee would represent shrewd value for the Hammers.
Dominant in the air and adept at reading play, Zouma possesses all the attributes to succeed under Moyes.
Currently, the Irons’ boss only has Craig Dawson, Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna to choose from against Leicester City tonight – meaning an addition is essential before the deadline passes.
