€10m French Defender Outlines Plan Amid United Interest

Kurt Zouma says he hopes to stay at St Etienne for another year as Manchester United continue to be linked with the French centre back, with a host of clubs throughout Europe also believed to be chasing his signature.

Zouma's future continues to be put under the spotlight as he reportedly considers an exit from the French club. Yesterday his agent claimed that he would consider a move to Serie A although United are reportedly the leaders in the chase to secure his services.

And now the 18 year old has spoken out claiming that he wants to try and win more trophies with St Etienne over the season ahead before he will consider the possibility of moving to a club like United.

"I read or hear certain things, and I sometimes speak," he told Le10Sport. "I am focusing solely on the game. My desire is to play here a year, make good performances and try to win another title with the club."

Still a teenager, Zouma is highly rated and believed to be worth around €10m. United are looking at seriously building on their defensive options, particularly with the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic surpassing the peaks in their respective careers.

But United face a great deal of competition in the hopes of landing Zouma with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all believed to be interested from England alone.

And the French publication is also claiming that Monaco are monitoring the situation as well, meaning when the starlet does decide he wants to push for an exit he will be spoiled for choice across Europe.

Despite the player signing a new contract with the club in February 2013 St Etienne are reportedly concerned that when he does want to leave they won't be able to withstand a big-money bid coming in from United for his signature.