Everton and Tottenham both had offers rejected by Chelsea for centre-back Kurt Zouma in the summer transfer window, it has been reported.
The French centre-back has impressed this season, establishing himself as one of Frank Lampard's first-choice back-line, before being called up to the national team for their upcoming fixtures.
According to L'Equipe, though, things could have been very different for the defender this season, had an offer been accepted by Chelsea.
The French daily newspaper report that Spurs and Everton were both very keen on securing the services of the 26-year-old, and the player himself would have accepted the chance to 'start a new cycle' at either club.