Chelsea captain free to leave club in January

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to allow Gary Cahill to pursue a temporary challenge elsewhere when the transfer window reopens in January.

The former England international is currently in his eighth season with the west London giants but he is widely expected to leave on a free when his contract expires next summer.

According to The Mirror, Blues boss Maurizio Sarri could allow Cahill spend the final six months of his contract on loan despite the limited options at the heart of the defence.

Cahill has recently suggested that he would like to lift the Europa League title at the end of the current campaign but his stance could change in two months' time.

The Blues captain has yet to start a Premier League match this term with nearly the majority of his gametime coming in the Cup and European matches.  

Manchester United, West Ham United, Southampton and Watford have all been linked with the former Bolton Wanderers man over a period of six months.