After going into the season with so much expectation given the summer transfer window they had, it has been a disappointing campaign for Everton.

Still, the signings they made remain good ones with Kurt Zouma, in particular, performing well in central defence.

Manager Marco Silva will now be desperate to keep hold of the Frenchman, although Chelsea's transfer ban may have complicated things.

The Breakdown

The Liverpool Echo reports the transfer sanction handed to the Blues by FIFA could prove problematic in Everton's attempt to turn Zouma's loan move into a permanent one with Silva unsure if a deal is still possible.

"Let's see what we can do or not and what will be our decision,” the Everton boss was quoted as saying by the same outlet. "It is also about the decision of Kurt and Chelsea so there will be three parts on his possible or not deal: us, Kurt and Chelsea.

"In the right moment we have to take our decision, they have to take a decision and Kurt also. Let's see what we can do."

All things considered, though, even with the transfer ban in play, Everton should still remain optimistic when it comes to their chances of retaining Zouma beyond this season.

At Chelsea, Maurizio Sarri looks more than content with his central defensive partnership of David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger, while the Italian also has Andreas Christensen for cover.

Considering that, there is probably not enough room for a Zouma return with even Christensen struggling for minutes despite the amount of games Chelsea have played due to Sarri's lack of rotation.

And that is obviously good news for Everton in their pursuit of a permanent deal for the 24-year-old France international.

Everton fans, have you been impressed with Zouma and can the club keep him at Goodison Park? Join the discussion by commenting below.