Chelsea FC transfer news: Kurt Zouma could leave on loan as Valencia eye season-long deal

Valencia are hoping to land Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma on a season-long loan next term.

The 22-year-old has struggled for regular game time at Chelsea since his arrival from St Etienne in 2014.

After a serious knee injury, Zouma has started just three Premier League games over the course of this season despite the west London club playing three at the back.

It has been suggested that he will get more opportunities next season following the retirement of John Terry but that has not stopped rumours that he could be about to leave.

Inter Milan are said to be keen on signing him on a permanent deal when the window opens.

But now reports in Spain have suggested that Valencia are interested in loaning him with Manchester City man Eliaquim Mangala heading back to England following the completion of his season-long stint with them.

And Chelsea may decide a loan away might be a good idea for Zouma if there is not an obvious route back to more regular first-team football at Stamford Bridge.