Chelsea Transfer News: Gary Cahill Reportedly Eyes Exit, Latest Blues Rumours

Gary Cahill will reportedly quit Chelsea if he continues to rot on the bench, amid fears not getting picked will wreck his chances of starting for England at UEFA Euro 2016. However, it's unlikely the 30-year-old centre-back will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window.

Cahill has become a forgotten figure since Guus Hiddink succeeded Jose Mourinho as Chelsea manager, and now the defender is ready to try to revive his career elsewhere, according to the Sun's Duncan Wright:

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He has figured just twice since Jose Mourinho was sacked — and last made a league appearance in the Boxing Day 2-2 draw with Watford.

Now the £7million defender is keen to secure a move elsewhere in a desperate effort to play regular football and ensure he stays in Roy Hodgson’s plans for this summer’s tournament.

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The report goes on to state how Manchester United's Chris Smalling and Everton's John Stones could be putting the England vice-captain's place in jeopardy.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Despite signing a new four-year contract back in December, Cahill is said to be "genuinely concerned" about his chances of starting for England at Euro 2016 if he continues to be frozen out.

Yet his concerns don't appear to have moved any of the Stamford Bridge hierarchy. The club is apparently getting close to acquiring United States defender Matt Miazga, but there is still no intention to let Cahill walk this month, per Dominic Fifield of the Guardian.

With deadline day set for Monday, February 1, Fifield cites the "lack of time remaining to recruit a replacement" as the reason Cahill will be kept around.

It's hardly a surprise Hiddink hasn't warmed to the former Bolton Wanderers man. At times this season, Cahill has appeared clumsy and lacking for pace. The same cannot be said for Kurt Zouma, the young Frenchman who has usurped Cahill in Hiddink's plans.

Still only 21, Zouma is a budding star with the quickness, strength, aerial prowess and technical qualities to be a key figure at the back for Chelsea in the years to come. ESPN's Liam Twomey credits the ex-St Etienne ace with a "fairytale rise at Stamford Bridge over the past 18 months."

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

By contrast, Cahill already looks as though his best football is behind him. A very committed defender, his lack of imposing physical talent has been found out at a higher level.

It makes sense for Hiddink to not only give Zouma the nod, but to continue searching for another young defender to replace Cahill.