Everton are close to completing the signing of Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma, Marco Silva has confirmed.
Speaking at his media conference on Friday afternoon, the Toffees manager explained that the loan capture of the 23-year-old is “almost done” but not yet official.
As quoted by the official Everton Twitter account, Everton are working on pushing through the signing of the centre-back after submitting a deal sheet in time to the Premier League before their 7pm deadline yesterday (Thursday).
???? | Marco Silva says a loan deal for @KurtZouma is “almost done” but is not yet official. #EFC
???? LIVE: https://t.co/goJIinLUQo pic.twitter.com/yxpgz5MzSj
— Everton (@Everton) August 10, 2018
OPINION
It is safe to say that Zouma will imminently be confirmed as Everton’s sixth and final senior signing of the summer following the captures of Brazil international winger Bernard, attacker Richarlison and centre-back Yerry Mina, central midfielder Andre Gomes and left-back Lucas Digne from Barcelona. This is great news for Everton followers, although not particularly good for Michael Keane, Mason Holgate and Phil Jagielka. Silva explained that Mina and Zouma will not be available for Saturday’s opening-day trip to Wolves, but should then be able to make their debuts. It would be a surprise if they are not soon allied as the first choice central defensive partnership by Silva. Mina is a colossus who will dominate aerially and in the Everton penalty box, as well as in the opposition box when coming up for corners. Zouma has Premier League experience and the ability to be a major player for club and country. He should do well at Everton.