Transfer Target - Kurt Zouma

Swansea City are targeting Manchester United target Kurt Zouma but the Frenchman’s club St Etienne have rejected any approach from the high flying Swans.

United have been scouting Zouma, who plays in the centre of defence, as a long term replacement for Rio Ferdinand and will be glad to see Swansea haven’t swooped in and stolen the 18 year old from under their noses.

Zouma has represented France at under 16 and under 17 level but is yet to make an appearance for the under 21 or full international side. Following the FIFA Under 17 World Cup in 2011 Zouma was promoted to the senior squad at St Etienne and made his debut in the 2011/12 Ligue 1 season. In his first professional season Zouma made 22 appearances and scored 2 goals as St Etienne finished 7^th in the French top flight.

Despite such an impressive debut season in Ligue 1 Zouma has made only 5 league appearances this season although by rejecting Swansea’s approach it would seem St Etienne aren’t ready to give up such a young talent quite yet.

It is no wonder why either Swansea Or United are chasing the signature of such a highly talented youngster as his attributes would see him fit either side’s defensive style.

Much like Rio Ferdinand and the preferred style of play implemented at the Liberty Stadium young Zouma likes to pass the ball short and long out of defence and relies on his positioning to snuff out danger rather than diving in to rash tackles.

Sam Jewell

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