Everton plot transfer coup on Chelsea’s Nigeria-born rising star after Kurt Zouma disappointment

The English Premier League side have reportedly penciled down Fikayo Tomori as a possible alternative after their pursuit of number one defensive target appear doomed.

The Nigeria-born defender is the subject of interests from teams in the Bundesliga, Portugal and the Premier League.

Everton however seemed to have jumped to the top of the queue after Chelsea snubbed their approach for Kurt Zouma who manager Frank Lampard sees as an integral part of his plans this term.

Zouma, 24, spent the 2018-19 season on loan with the Toffees where he impressed and was marked down to return to the Goodison Park on a permanent deal this summer.

But times have changed at the Stamford Bridge with former Blues legend Frank Lampard taking over from Maurizio Sarri. Handicapped by a two-transfer-window ban, Lampard cannot bring in a new defender to replace the departed Gary Cahill and is willing to give Zouma a chance.

Marcos Silva, however, is still in search of a defender and is looking to take Chelsea's Fikayo Tomori on loan this season.

Chelsea are reportedly willing to send the England Under-21 international elsewhere to get more experience and would prefer the young lad join a top level club in the Premier League or Bundesliga.

Fikayo Tomori spent time on loan at Derby in the Championship last term where he impressed as the club got to the play-offs.