Despite Marco Silva having made clear his intention to bring Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma back to Goodison Park this summer, Everton’s intention has seemingly gone up in smoke.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard declared earlier this week in a press conference that he has no intention of letting Zouma leave the club, saying:
I want him [Zouma] here, simple as that.
We are competitive with the centre-backs we have in the team and he had a very good season at Everton and I can understand why they want him.
He’s a Chelsea player and I want him.
Failure to sign Zouma is a hammer blow to Everton, with the Frenchman having struck up such a strong partnership with Michael Keane in the heart of the Toffees’ defence last season.
With that in mind, we’ve looked at who Everton could replace Zouma with as Keane’s partner in crime ahead of the season’s opener against Crystal Palace.
Jonathan Tah
The 23-year old Germany international impressed for a Bayer Leverkusen side that largely unimpressed last season.
The towering centre-back is dominant in the air and skilful in possession, and he would be a great long-term acquisition for Everton.
Adama Soumaoro
Soumaoro has been linked with Everton in the past, and has again seen his name linked with a Merseyside switch this summer.
Monaco appeared close to signing Soumaoro earlier this week but financial disagreements saw a move collapse, meaning Lille could still sell their star defender to the Premier League.
Diego Llorente
Everton and Liverpool have both been linked with making offers for the talented defender in the past, and speculation hasn’t slowed down this summer.
Despite reports that Real Sociedad are calm about reportedly interest, Everton could look to shore up their initial interest following Zouma’s move falling through.
The 25-year old Spain international has impressed in La Liga, and would be a great addition.
Jamaal Lascelles
The Newcastle captain has been linked with a move to Merseyside in the past, and with a large summer of change on Tyneside, Everton could maybe exploit their situation.
With the Magpies reportedly keen on both James McCarthy and Yannick Bolasie, Everton could look to include Lascelles in any dealings with the club.
James Tarkowski
Another strong English option, James Tarkowski has impressed for Burnley and will likely look for a club in a better position in the not-s0-distant future.
Leicester are reportedly keeping tabs on the England international to replace Harry Maguire, should he leave this summer, and Everton should look to move fast if they want the 26-year old in order to steal him away from the Foxes.