Sunderland are looking to make a number of loan signings in addition to pursuing permanent transfer targets during the summer. One potential loan deal could see the highly rated Kurt Zouma move to Wearside from Chelsea, according to The Chronicle.
Sunderland are currently light in terms of defensive cover. Their best centre back, Wes Brown, is now 34 and has had a number of long term injuries over the last few years. Therefore it would be wise for Gus Poyet to have suitable back-up.
With the North East club currently failing to secure Ashley Williams from Swansea, Kurt Zouma could be an excellent addition to add strength in depth to a squad that struggled for Premier League survival last season.
Zouma is widely regarded as one of the most promising youngsters currently playing in Europe. He began his career at Vaulx-en-Velin before moving to Saint-Etienne in 2009.
The 19-year old was then promoted to the senior side in 2011 and has since become an important figure at the club, having made over 60 league appearances in three years.
Chelsea signed the centre back in January for a fee of £12 million. However, they immediately loaned him back to the French side in order to ensure he was playing regular football.
Zouma has also represented his country at all youth levels but has yet to have a call up to the senior side.
Although David Luiz has left the London club to join PSG, Chelsea still have a number of defensive options. John Terry and Gary Cahill are likely to remain as the first choice centre back partnership while Branislav Ivanovic can provide cover in that position.
Jose Mourinho is also reportedly keen to add either Raphael Varane or Eliaquim Mangala when The World Cup finishes later this month. The arrival of either player would further limit Zouma’s chances to play regular football at Stamford Bridge.
This could make him favourable to a move, with a Premier League club being ideal to gain experience at playing at the highest level.
