Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma may have subtly suggested he is still open to a potential return to Everton despite Frank Lampard's transfer stance.
The centre-half, who impressed during his season-long loan at Goodison Park last term, has shared a picture of his football boots with the number five interestingly stitched onto the side.
It was the digit the France international wore for Everton during the 2018/19 campaign, with the Chelsea No.5 currently occupied by Italian midfielder Jorginho.
The Frenchman shared a picture of the Nike Phantom Venom boots to Instagram.
The bright yellow shoes contain his initials alongside the tricolour and the number five.
Marco Silva made clear his ambition was to sign the centre-back this summer, but was handed a huge blow as London Blues' boss Lampard recently outlined his desire to keep hold of Zouma for the upcoming season.
The former England international said: "I want him here, simple as that, I want him to be happy. If he competes and plays well this season, he plays."
Responding to his praise the 24-year-old replied: "I’m happy with what the manager said about me. That means he is seeing the work I’m doing and I’m very pleased with that.
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"We had a chat, and he was very good with me. He is a very good manager.
"I enjoyed my time at Everton but I’m a Chelsea player and we’ll see what will happens in the future. I think it will be here at Chelsea.
"This is a chance for me. I went out on loan last season but I’m a Chelsea player and I want to do well to get my chance and be here.”
On his spell at Everton Zouma added: "It was a very good season for me. It was very good for my development. After my injury I was ready to play week-in week-out.
"Going there I did that and improved myself technically and tactically in every aspect with the manager there.
"I am a better player. Everything has improved in my game. I still have a lot to learn and to work on but I feel I have done a lot."
Following Ashley Williams' Everton departure, the No.5 shirt is currently unassigned.
