CHELSEA defender Fikayo Tomori is nearing a season-long loan move to Everton, reports say.
The 22-year-old centre-back enjoyed a breakthrough season under Frank Lampard, making 22 appearances.
Fikayo Tomori is nearing a season long loan move to Everton
But with Thiago Silva, 35, arriving on a free transfer this summer, it has created less space in Chelsea’s backline.
Lampard is also plotting a move for West Ham’s £80million rated midfielder Declan Rice – who the manager is believed to want as a centre-back.
To ensure Tomori has regular football in the upcoming campaign, Lampard is exploring the possibility of him spending a season out on loan.
According to ESPN, Everton are frontrunners to sign the defender with a deal almost in place.
Rennes and Newcastle have also registered an interest.
Tomori has had two consecutive seasons under Lampard, having been loaned out to Derby two years ago.
The Blues boss is a big fan of the England international, who signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea in December.
Lampard wants the centre-half to receive more Premier League football and feels a loan move is the club’s best option.
He was close to joining Everton last summer, until David Luiz left for Arsenal, meaning Tomori was needed in the Chelsea squad.
Michy Batshuayi is also close to sealing a loan move away, joining Crystal Palace for the season.
The Belgian has also signed a new one-year extension a Stamford Bridge, meaning they will not lose him for nothing next summer.
Chelsea hope a successful loan spell could clubs to make a permanent move for Batshuayi.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
