Everton have begun negotiations over a permanent deal for Kurt Zouma.
With the £22 million signing of Andre Gomes now finalised, the Blues are hoping to also secure the Chelsea defender following last season’s successful loan spell.
The France international became a regular starter under Marco Silva last term, forming a solid central defensive partnership with a resurgent Michael Keane.
Chelsea’s impending two-window transfer ban could see Everton’s bid to land Zouma met with some resistance due to a shortage of available centre-backs.
The Londoners recently extended David Luiz’s stay until 2021 but are set to be without Antonio Rudiger for the start of their new Premier League season.
Teenager Ethan Ampadu has only made one first-team appearance while Andreas Christensen remains largely out of favour at Stamford Bridge.
However the Daily Telegraph claim that Goodison Park chiefs remain hopeful of striking a deal with the Europa League winners for the 24-year-old.
Potentially standing in Everton’s favour is Chelsea’s appointment of Frank Lampard as manager due to drafting in several loan players while at Derby.
Among them was Fikayo Tomori, who can operate at centre-back, and impressed during the Championship side’s route to last season’s play-off final.