Chelsea have told Gary Cahill he can leave in January.

According to the Express, the centre-back will be allowed to leave in the upcoming transfer window as he searches for more first-team opportunities.

The report claims those opportunities may come from Cahill's former manager at Stamford Bridge, Jose Mourinho.

The Manchester United manager is desperate for defensive reinforcements in January with his side currently sitting eighth on the Premier League table.

Mourinho worked with Cahill for two seasons in west London.

Southampton, West Ham United, Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday have all expressed an interest in signing the 32-year-old.