Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater is being linked with a move to Italy.

Frozen out at Chelsea, Drinkwater has admitted he may need to move abroad to rebuild his career.

Il Secolo XIX says Sampdoria have made contact about a switch to Italy for the former England international.

The approach is being driven by Samp coach Claudio Ranieri, who won a Premier League title with Drinkwater at Leicester City.

Chelsea are willing to grant the midfielder a free transfer, though Drinkwater will have to accept a massive cut on his wages to move to Samp.