Gary Cahill is due to play a farewell game for Chelsea in their FA Cup tie with Nottingham Forest.

The Sun says Fulham have won the race to sign the former England defender after he failed to convince Maurizio Sarri he should be part of his first team plans this season.

Claudio Ranieri had hoped to wrap up the loan switch for the 33-year-old this week in order for him to be available for their FA Cup tie with Oldham.

But those plans have been blocked because Chelsea want Cahill to play for them in the third round clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Sarri is desperate to give regular defenders like David Luiz a break after their hectic schedule over the festive period.

And that means keeping Cahill at the club for a few more days so he can line up for the Blues against the Championship club.