Stoke set to beat rivals to land Chelsea defender

Rob McCarthy

Stoke look to have beaten Premier League rivals West Brom to the loan signing of Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma.

The Potters and Baggies have reportedly gone head-to-head to try and land the Blues star in a temporary deal this summer, but it is Mark Hughes’ men who appear to have won the race for thee 22-year-old.

The Sun reports that Zouma will likely hire the France international for a £7million fee ahead of the new campaign, a figure that has put off Tony Pulis’ Albion.

Zouma, who is said to be a target for as many as 20 clubs at home and abroad this summer, missed nine months with a cruiciate knee ligament injury but was back in action earlier this year and is keen for regular first-team football.

Zouma could form a central defensive partnership with Potters stalwart Ryan Shawcross and Dutch defender Bruno Martins Indi, if the 25-year-old turns last season’s loan switch into a permanent one this summer.