Gary Cahill looks unlikely to join Fulham from Chelsea, according to reports.
Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri recently confirmed that he was looking to sign the former England defender but expressed doubts that Cahill would be up for a battle against relegation.
The Cottagers are one off the bottom of the Premier League and Cahill would be swapping Chelsea, where he is used to winning trophies, for a fight to stay in the top flight.
Ranieri said at a press conference last week: “Gary is a very important player and for us it would be fantastic, but I don’t know if he wants to come and fight with us.”
And Sky Sports News on Monday reported that Cahill, 33, is set to reject the move to Craven Cottage despite Chelsea agreeing in principle to let him go.
Cahill is still expected to leave Stamford Bridge, where he has fallen out of favour under Blues manager Maurizio Sarri.
Several clubs are interested, including his former side Aston Villa, where Chelsea legend – and Cahill’s ex-team mate – John Terry is now assistant manager.
Cahill’s reluctance to join Fulham could leave the door open for Villa, who are chasing a return to the Premier League but are seven points away from the Championship play-off places and are a looking to bolster their squad.