Jose Mourinho has slammed his former club Chelsea over the Kurt Zouma transfer situation.
The London Blues, who are now managed by Frank Lampard, had a transfer ban imposed which means they are unable to acquire any players in this window.
Speaking to Sky Sports News regarding his former club, the 56-year-old argued Chelsea should recognise and retain the talented Zouma.
Mourinho said: "The question is: what is the product of the academy? What can you work with to improve?
"I just give an example; Chelsea needs a centre-back - Kurt Zouma! You don't need to buy, you don't need to spend.
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"Zouma! He's champion of England, he played for Chelsea, he played for Stoke in the Premier League, he played for Everton in the Premier League, played for France.
"He's your player, he's on loan. Where are you going to buy a better player than him? You have him!"
The 24-year-old impressed during his season-long loan at Goodison Park, and Toffees' boss Marco Silva made it no secret the Frenchman was a top transfer target this summer.
But Everton were handed a huge blow in their pursuit of the defender following Lampard's comments during Chelsea's pre-season tour.
The former England international admitted: "In terms of Kurt Zouma, he's a very good defender for us, very good player, very good person and professional," Lampard told reporters. "I want him here, simple as that.
"We are competitive with the centre-backs we have in the team and he had a very good season at Everton and I can understand why they want him.
"He's a Chelsea player and I want him. I want him to be happy and he's working really hard.
"If he competes for a position and plays well, he plays."
