Chelsea would rather sell Jorginho over N’Golo Kante, according to reports, as former Blues boss Antonio Conte steps up his interest in bringing the Frenchman to Inter Milan.
The Italians want Kante to anchor their midfield this season and have made the 28-year-old their primary target.
The Daily Mail say the Blues have rejected offers from Inter for Kante involving former Tottenham star Christian Eriksen and Marcelo Brozovic, and instead would rather sell Jorginho.
The Italian international, 28, has struggled to make his mark since Maurizio Sarri brought him to Stamford Bridge from Napoli two summers ago and is seen as expendable should Chelsea need to balance the books during their big spending spree.
The Blues have plenty of reserves in midfield, but have also been linked with West Ham’s Declan Rice as a younger holding option in midfield.
Frank Lampard said in June he wanted to keep Kante, who helped Conte win the 2016/17 Premier League title in his debut season.
The player has stressed he is happy in west London and captained the side in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Brighton in pre-season.
Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Conor Gallagher is expected to sign a new contract this week before leaving on loan.
The 20-year-old has impressed in training and during a loan with Swansea City last season, with West Brom, Leeds United and Aston Villa said to be interested.