Chelsea's Davide Zappacosta set for Lazio move?

Chelsea defender Davide Zappacosta is reportedly nearing a switch to Lazio on a temporary basis with the obligation to buy at the end of the campaign.

The Italy international joined the Blues from Torino during the dying stages of the 2017 summer transfer window and made 35 appearances in all competitions under Antonio Conte last term.

However, with the change in management, Zappacosta has largely featured in the Cup competitions this season and he has been restricted to just 18 minutes of league action.

According to Il Messaggero, the Italian is now on the verge of making a Serie A comeback with Lazio close to agreeing on a temporary move with the opportunity to buy for £13.5m next summer.

Zappacosta has been ever-present for the Blues in the Europa League this term but manager Maurizio Sarri is likely to switch to the regulars when the club start the knockout phase of the competition.

The Italian recently played through the entire 90 minutes of the FA Cup third round win over Nottingham Forest and that could potentially end up being his final game in the Blues shirt.