Stoke City have emerged as favourites to sign Kurt Zouma on a season-long loan once the central defender has penned a new Chelsea contract.

Zouma is poised to sign a new four-year contract with the Blues before heading out on loan for the forthcoming campaign.

West Bromwich Albion and a host of foreign clubs have shown an interest in Zouma, but Stoke are expected to agree a deal for the 22-year-old that would see them cover his Chelsea wages. Chelsea allowed Zouma to miss pre-season training on Wednesday while he attempted to finalise his loan move.

Zouma remains highly rated at Chelsea, but will struggle to start regularly under head coach Antonio Conte after the signing of Antonio Rudiger and the decision to bring Andreas Christensen back.