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    Chelsea Will Reportedly Listen to Loan Offers for Gary Cahill in January

    Christopher Simpson@@CJSimpsonBRFeatured ColumnistNovember 15, 2018

    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Gary Cahill of Chelsea in action during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Derby County at Stamford Bridge on October 31, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
    Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

    Chelsea are reportedly willing to hear loan offers for Gary Cahill in January.

    According to MailOnline's Matt Barlow, the Blues would not normally allow a player in Cahill's position—he's out of contract next summer—to leave on loan, but they "will make an exception in respect of Cahill's exemplary service to the club."

    The 32-year-old wants to leave in search of game time, as he has played just 21 minutes of Premier League football this season and failed to make the bench for half of Chelsea's 12 matches.

    The UEFA Europa League and Carabao Cup have been more rewarding for the club captain, as he has made five starts across the two competitions, but it's clear he has little future at Stamford Bridge.

    Per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella, manager Maurizio Sarri has previously spoken about the centre-back and left the door open for him to leave if he wants:

    Nizaar Kinsella @NizaarKinsella

    Sarri on Cahill leaving. He says it is up to him, but he says "Cahill is important both on and off the pitch" and is playing more now #CFC

    Matt Law of the Telegraph is pleased the club will allow Cahill to leave:

    Chelsea Will Reportedly Listen to Loan Offers for Gary Cahill in January
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    Matt Law @Matt_Law_DT

    Chelsea doing the right thing on Cahill. He's earned the right to choose the terms of his exit and he will have plenty of loan opportunities in January #cfc https://t.co/GsztG5eXm0

    Cahill signed for Chelsea from Bolton Wanderers in 2012 for a fee in the region of £7 million.

    The defender has proved to be a bargain signing for the Blues, helping them win two Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the FA Cup, among other honours.

    He has also made almost 300 appearances and became a leader in the dressing room as John Terry declined before his departure in 2017.

    However, he will be 33 on Dec. 19, and he has struggled to adapt to Sarri's system, which requires defenders to carry out the ball from the back.

    He still has much to contribute when it comes to old-school defending, though, per Squawka Football:

    Squawka Football @Squawka

    Only four players to contest at least 100 aerial duels in the Premier League since the start of last season have maintained a success rate above 70%: • Kurt Zouma (109/140) • Gary Cahill (94/125) • James Tarkowski (189/267) • Virgil van Dijk (117/166) Aerial aces. https://t.co/Z0d6p5M5Ka

    Cahill's years may be advancing, and he has little in the way of pace, but he could still be a useful acquisition for a side hoping to improve their defensive prospects in January.