Gary Cahill’s rumoured return to Aston Villa may in jeopardy, with AC Milan linked with the veteran.
According to reports in Corriere dello Sport, the Serie A giants are eyeing up a January loan move for the centre-back, after suffering an injury crisis in that area of the pitch.
Cahill’s time at Chelsea appears to be numbered – any loan transfer could become permanent – with the 32-year-old falling down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
The arrival of Maurizio Sarri in the summer has seen the former England international make just one Premier League appearance this season.
Sarri has opted for a centre-back pairing of David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger instead, with Cahill’s six years in west London set to reach a natural conclusion.
The Milan links are a potential blow to Villa, who have been rumoured to be planning an audacious bid for Cahill’s services.
He rose through the youth ranks at Villa Park to become a key first-team member, before moving to Bolton Wanderers in 2008.
It could be a tricky decision for Cahill, with the lure of Milan obvious but the appeal of returning to his old club also plain to see.
The appointment of Dean Smith as Villa manager has given the club a new sense of belief that promotion back to the Premier League could be achieved in 2018/19.
Signing Cahill would only enhance their chances.
