Chelsea boss gives the green light for defender sale

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has reportedly given Gary Cahill the go-ahead to pursue a fresh challenge away from the club when the transfer window reopens.

The former England international has managed just 21 minutes of league action during the current campaign with his starts coming exclusively in the Europa League and League Cup matches.

Owing to this, he has been regularly linked with a departure from Stamford Bridge and according to Calciomercato, that could come into fruition when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

AC Milan are currently deemed the favourites to sign the experienced Englishman contrary to previous reports and they could lodge an approach in the forthcoming weeks.

Milan are presently without both Alessio Romagnoli and Mattia Caldara with extended injuries and they are widely expected to pursue a central defender this winter to maintain their top-four ambitions for the season.

Gennaro Gattuso's side are currently just outside the Champions League places with a one-point deficit following a 1-1 draw against Lazio on the road last weekend.