Valencia join Marseille in race to sign Chelsea defender

Rob McCarthy

Spanish giants Valencia have reportedly joined the race to sign Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma this summer.

The Blues star looks certain to be offloaded this summer, particularly after the arrival of Antonio Rudiger from Roma, having failed to convince Antonio Conte that he was worth a run in his first team at Stamford Bridge.

The 22-year-old recovered from a serious knee injury to make his first appearance for Chelsea in nine months in January when they beat Peterborough in the FA Cup.

Zouma, however, was unable to break up Conte’s trio of central defenders as the Blues eventually cruised to the Premier League title.

And according to Spanish radio network Cadena Ser he has become Valencia coach Marcelino’s main target to bolster his defence this summer.

Ligue 1 giants Marseille, however, remain the favourites to snap up the France international, with new owner Frank McCourt splashing the cash he looks to restore the club to its former greatness, according to the report on Calciomercato.