The French centre-back tempting Chelsea

Saint-Etienne defender Kurt Zouma has long been linked with a move to England, with Liverpool and Manchester City previously said to be following the France international. The latest reports claim that Jose Mourinho's Chelsea will make a push for the 18-year-old, however. talkSPORT's Transfer Spotlight has more...

Name: Kurt Zouma
Date of birth: October 27, 1994
Birthplace: Lyon, France
Position: Central defender
Club: Saint-Etienne
International appearances: 2 (France U20)

What's the latest?
Zouma claimed that he rejected an offer from Manchester City in the January 2012 transfer window, saying he preferred to continue his development at Saint-Etienne. Since then, he has excelled in France and the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United have recently been linked with him. The latest rumours claim that Jose Mourinho's Chelsea are prepared to offer £10.2m for the centre-back's services.

Did you know?

1) Zouma's first steps towards a professional career came when he joined the French Football Federation's Dijon-based 'Pole Espoir' centre in 2007. The centre, overseen by former Nancy player Gilles Salou, is designed to prepare youngsters for joining the youth ranks of professional clubs, and indeed, Zouma would go on to join the Saint-Etienne academy in 2009 following two years learning under Salou.

2) The defender received his first France Under-16 call-up within months of joining Saint Etienne, and in less than a year he had moved up to Under-17 level. His strong performances with the Under-17s saw him capped 17 times between 2010 and 2011, and Saint Etienne soon offered him his first professional contract as a result.

3) Zouma made his senior debut in a 3-1 Coupe de la Ligue win against Bordeaux in August 2011. Injuries to key players at the start of the 2011/12 Ligue 1 campaign ensured that the defender would go on make seven starting appearances in Saint-Etienne's first eight league games that year. He scored two goals and played 21 games in total during the 2011/12 Ligue 1 season.

4) The defender is known for his speed and strength, as well as his aerial ability. Composed when facing attackers in one-on-one situations, he has also shown an eye for a raking long pass. He has, however, been criticised at times for his poor positioning. Though predominately a centre-back, he can also fill in at right-back.

5) Zouma has made 18 appearances for Saint-Etienne in Ligue 1 last season, helping the team to claim the second best defensive record in France last season, only beaten by champions Paris Saint-Germain.

He says...
“When you hear that a big club like Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho as manager is following you, you take it into account. It makes you happy, as it means you're on the right path to the top. I'm relaxed about these stories however. For now, I'm focused on the U20 World Cup.” Zouma speaking with L'Equipe.

Video evidence...

Blues, would you like to see Zouma at Stamford Bridge? Let us know below...