Schalke 04 switch focus to Danny Drinkwater

Bundesliga giants Schalke 04 are looking into a deal for Chelsea's Danny Drinkwater after failing to lure compatriot Ruben Loftus-Cheek earlier in the week.

Earlier this week, the German club had expressed an interest in signing Loftus-Cheek on a season-long loan but their approach was rebuffed by the midfielder himself, who has expressed his desire to fight for his Blues future.

As a result, Schalke appear to have switched their attention towards Drinkwater, who is presently deemed surplus to requirements under new head coach Maurizio Sarri.

The England international was not involved in the Blues squad during their recent 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town and a loan move to a foreign side may ideally suit him to receive regular gametime.

N'Golo Kante and Cesc Fabregas were already ahead of him in the pecking order last term and the former Leicester City man now sees himself behind Loftus-Cheek, Ross Barkley, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic in the preference list under the new boss.