Chelsea are ready to sell Davide Zappacosta this month.

However, their £23m asking could prove too steep for suitors Roma.

The Daily Mail says it is understood they will instead explore a possible loan option, although Chelsea would prefer for a permanent deal.

While Roma are interested in Zappacosta, their priority is to bring in a defensive midfielder before September 2's transfer deadline.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are keen to offload a number of their squad players in the coming weeks.

Zappacosta and Tiemoue Bakayoko are two players manager Frank Lampard hopes to sell before the European window closes.