Chelsea are willing to release Gary Cahill for loan in January.

The Daily Mail says Cahill's contract expires at the end of the season and he has made only one Premier League appearance since Maurizio Sarri arrived in the summer.

He was not even among the substitutes against Everton on Sunday and has made it clear he wants to play more regularly.

Chelsea do not usually allow players to leave on loan if they are not contractually committed to a long-term future at Stamford Bridge but will make an exception in respect of Cahill's exemplary service to the club.

It will give the 32-year-old centre half a chance to remind potential suitors what he can do.

West Ham and Southampton made enquiries in the summer and Aston Villa, where Cahill started his career and where John Terry is assistant manager, have been searching for a reliable central defender.