England international set to return to Chelsea in January

Burnley will reportedly turn down the option to extend the loan contract of midfielder Danny Drinkwater beyond the turn of the year.

The 29-year-old joined the Clarets from the Blues on a six-month loan deal in August to resurrect his flagging career but things have failed to pave the way as planned.

Drinkwater has been sidelined from first-team duties since September after getting injured in a brawl outside a nightclub and he has yet to make a Premier League appearance for the Clarets.

According to The Sun, Sean Dyche's side have the option of extending the midfielder's temporary deal by another six months but they are expected to turn down the option.

The former Premier League midfielder has struggled to command regular gametime since his move to Chelsea and he has managed 12 league appearances over the past two years.

Blues boss Frank Lampard has already deemed Drinkwater as surplus to requirements and the midfielder would certainly have to pursue another challenge elsewhere, should Burnley send him back to Stamford Bridge.