Thursday, 16th January, 2014
Kurt Zouma, Saint-Etienne's promising 19-year-old defender, has revealed he would love to sign for Chelsea after receiving a personal call from Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
Zouma is very keen to take up a new challenge abroad this summer with Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg, Monaco, Liverpool and Manchester United amongst a whole host of clubs vying for his signature.
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Saint-Etienne CEO Roland Romeyer admitted last week that there had been two bids for Zouma, but the centre-back, who led France Under-20s to World Cup success last summer, is under contract at the club until 2017.
However, the 19-year-old has at last outlined his preference for a summer switch to Chelsea above all other destinations, and it is all down to Mourinho's very personal touch.
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When asked if the Portuguese had indeed called him, Zouma told L'Equipe: "Well, it's true. There has been an advanced contact.
"At first I thought it was a joke. But I quickly took his call seriously. A great man like Jose Mourinho phoning a small player like Kurt Zouma, it's nice.
"It does not happen to you every day and it is a great sign of respect and trust.
"I will always take Chelsea. I loved this club since childhood and blue is my favourite colour.
"In my head, it is clear: I want a change. When going abroad, it's make or break. But it is a risk worth taking."
Zouma is currently in the midst of a ten-match ban at Saint-Etienne, handed out for a challenge which broke an opponent's leg and dislocated his ankle.
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