91% Tackle Success: Chelsea eye £10m tough-tackling teenager

Reports today have linked Chelsea with a move for Saint-Etienne centre back Kurt Zouma. The powerful Frenchman has been touted for a £10 million move by the Daily Mirror, as Chelsea look for a long term replacement for John Terry. Neither David Luiz nor Gary Cahill have convinced Jose Mourinho this season, sharing the role next to Terry between the two of them, and such long term uncertainty has seen Mourinho look in the direction of the 19-year-old.

Despite his age, Zouma has been a regular in the Saint-Etienne side for a few seasons, racking up 51 games for the side. Eleven of those have come this season, although he is currently in the middle of a ten game ban for a leg breaking challenge on Sochaux midfielder Thomas Guerbert (below).

Yet to represent his national side, Zouma has played for France at all youth levels up to the under 21 side and has been suggested as a future captain of his country by current manager Didier Deschamps.

A colossus at the back, Zouma has averaged 11 defensive actions per game this season, including 102 clearances. Prior to his suspension, only two players had made more clearances in the French Ligue 1 than Zouma, who is believed to be available for a fee of around £10 million.

If he is to snap him up then Mourinho will need to act quickly as the Frenchman is known to be interesting a host of top sides, including both Manchester clubs.

Zouma has won 91% of his tackles and 80% of his headed duels this season.