Hughes ‘very hopeful’ Zouma will join Stoke

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has confirmed to the Stoke Sentinel that he is hopeful of snapping up Kurt Zouma.

The Potters and West Brom are among the clubs keen to take the Chelsea defender on loan.

He is expected to speak to both before making a decision on his future.

“There is genuine interest. We’d like to make it happen if we can,” said former Chelsea striker Hughes.

“The boy himself has to make a decision. We are one of many interested parties but we’re very hopeful. We’re still doing a number of deals.”

Zouma, 22, returned to action last season after nearly a year on the sidelines with a knee injury.

His first-team prospects at Chelsea currently look limited, particularly following the recent signing of Antonio Rudiger, and Blues boss Antonio Conte is prepared to let him move elsewhere.

A number of other clubs, including Valencia, have been linked with the Frenchman, but there appears to be a strong chance he will stay in the Premier League.