According to The Telegraph, Everton are interested in signing Chelsea centre-back Kurt Zouma on a permanent basis after a successful loan spell at Goodison Park last season.

Marco Silva’s side have now opened talks with the Stamford Bridge outfit, but it remains to be seen if securing his signature will be possible with his parent club currently under a two-window transfer ban.

Zouma was instrumental as the Toffees finished in eighth place last term, featuring in 32 league games and weighing in with two goals and two assists.

His Everton form earned him a recall to the French national team, and with regular playing time guaranteed under Silva, the 24-year-old could prefer playing under him to returning to Chelsea.

David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger are the first-choice centre-backs at the London club, and while the latter could start the season on the sidelines due to injury, Zouma can’t be rest-assured of regular games even under a new manager.

Signing the French international will not come cheap, but Everton are prepared to meet a reasonable asking price, and landing him will come as a huge boost.

A lot of Toffees’ fans would love to see Zouma return to Merseyside, and here is how they reacted to the reports linking him with a permanent move on Twitter:

I'd be shocked if we got Zouma tbh, really can't see it happening

— Bradielka (@EvertonEFC1878) June 20, 2019

If they've let Brands in to negotiate then Zouma may as well get his coat! The Master will sort it. In Brands we trust.

— Chris Everton Hanman (@ChrisHanman) June 20, 2019

Tie up Andre Gomes and Kurt Zouma permanently, sign David Neres, a striker and a RB and this transfer window will be absolutely stellar. But no one will say so ‍♂️ Everton that

— Tyler LaChioma™ (@t_lachioma) June 21, 2019

If this is true it’s a great move for the player AND for Everton!

— Andy Dunn (+) (@AJDEFC) June 20, 2019

Not sure this is really news–Everton were always going to have this discussion with Chelsea re: Zouma. But if this indicates that Chelsea are willing to entertain the idea of selling Zouma (given the ban hanging over them), that's got to be considered encouraging. #EFC https://t.co/3LILY5BNDT

— Rob Vera (@TheRobVera) June 20, 2019

I hope he signs for us mate he fits our style very well.

— gflan (@gflann02) June 20, 2019

Think it’s a long shot, but we’ve got to at least try !

— Alan Quigley (@Quiggers_03) June 20, 2019

If true great news

— steve Jones (@skjones505) June 20, 2019

I want this more than andre! There i said it!

— robbie (@onetonerrob) June 20, 2019