Chelsea's Kurt Zouma is one of Europe's best young defenders, says Stoke boss Mark Hughes

Stoke manager Mark Hughes is convinced his side have snared one of the best young defenders in football after bringing in Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma on loan.

Zouma, 22, signed a new six-year contract at Stamford Bridge today before moving to the Potteries on loan for the coming season.

The French international had been a regular in the Chelsea side until suffering a horrifying injury to his anterior cruciate ligament in February 2016 that kept him out of the first team for 11 months.

Antonio Conte could not guarantee Zouma regular first football as he continues his rehabilitation but he is almost certain to be a consistent starter at Stoke, where his new manager Hughes is convinced the youngster ranks among the best defenders in the Premier League.

“Kurt is undoubtedly one of the most talented young defenders in the game, so naturally his arrival will enhance our playing squad for the forthcoming campaign,” Hughes said.

“We have prioritised adding further strength in depth to defensive positions this summer, and we have certainly done that by fending off any number of clubs who were all interested in taking Kurt on loan.

“He first caught my attention as a 17-year-old during his time at St Etienne, and in fact, I actually tried to sign him at that point in his career, but while that deal never materialised I am delighted to finally get the opportunity to work with him now.

“On his day he is one of the most impressive defenders in the league, and while injury unfortunately hampered his progress at Chelsea last season, we are certain that we can give him the platform to recapture the form he showed prior to his setback.”