Experienced defender ready to quit Chelsea as Blues eye additions

Chelsea are set for a major rejuvenation in the transfer market under new boss Maurizio Sarri, which is likely to see the Blues lose a number of established players.

Belgium duo Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard are both widely tipped to complete moves to join three-time consecutive Champions League winners Real Madrid but they are unlikely to be the only big-name departures.

The Evening Standard reports England international Gary Cahill is also considering ending his six-year association with the west London side, amidst Chelsea’s continued pursuit of Juventus defender Daniele Rugani.

32-year-old Cahill lost his place as a Chelsea regular under Antonio Conte last season and, while Sarri may attempt to persuade him to remain at Stamford Bridge, his pursuit of Rugani and other defensive targets, which include Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles, suggests that further changes could be on the horizon.

Cahill has 12 months remaining on his contract and Chelsea’s policy for players over the age of 30 means any extension will see just a single year added to his deal.