Andre Gomes has urged Kurt Zouma to rejoin Everton this summer.
Talks remain ongoing between the Blues and Chelsea over a permanent deal for Zouma after he impressed last term at the heart of Marco Silva’s defence.
Complicating the prospective switch is the Londoners’ two-window transfer ban which is set to hamper new manager Frank Lampard’s first-team preparations.
Gomes himself completed a £22 million transfer to Goodison Park early last week after himself spending the previous season on loan from Barcelona.
And the midfielder hopes that France international Zouma will soon follow his lead in becoming a full-time fixture on the blue half of Merseyside.
Asked about Everton’s pursuit of Zouma, Gomes said: “I can’t decide that. I will leave that for Marcel (Brands, director of football).
“Kurt played really well last season. He’s a fantastic guy and a fantastic player.
“Obviously if Everton wants him then to buy him because he’s really good.
“I would like to have him here.”
In his first press conference since his move, Gomes admitted that he felt an instant connection with the Goodison faithful after arriving from the Nou Camp.
“Since day one it was love at first sight,” he added.
“I really appreciate what they (the fans) have done for me. I started here injured but since the first game, they were with me. They helped me a lot.
“The opportunity at Everton [last season] was really good. It was a new start. The people gave me all the confidence to come here and enjoy my game.
“Obviously Barcelona was really important and I played with the best players in the world – Iniesta, Messi, Sergio Busquets – so I’m really glad to have played there.”