Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri keen on Manchester United target Alessio Romagnoli as he eyes defensive reinforcements

The centre-back, 23, has emerged as one of the first names on the Rossneri team sheet

Alex Terrell

Published: 8:41, 11 Oct 2018
Updated: 20:59, 26 Oct 2018

CHELSEA could get one over Manchester United by making a swoop for AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli.

The centre-back, 23, is one of the first names on the Rossneri team sheet with Genaro Gattuso choosing to rotate Mateo Musacchio and Cristian Zapata alongside him.

Alessio Romagnoli's form has seen an upturn under Genaro Gattuso's managementCredit: AFP

Romagnoli has been given the captain's armband by his manager this termCredit: EPA

And he has been given the captain's armband by Gattuso..

The former Roma and Sampdoria youth product is in his fourth season at the San Siro, but a lack of Champions League football and turmoil in the boardroom could persuade him to move to England.

Not that Chelsea are in the Champions League this season, but Maurizio Sarri knows he will lose Gary Cahill either in January or at the end of the season, according to the .

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Gattuso's side are currently enduring a tough season in Serie ACredit: EPA

Maurizio Sarri wants to get reinforcements in his defence - but that has not made Andreas Christensen happyCredit: PA:Empics Sport

Christensen played in pre-season but has not been getting the regular game time during the season properCredit: Getty - Contributor

Andreas Christensen has also revealed he is ready to quit Stamford Bridge after being left on the bench, while he was a regular starter under Antonio Conte last season.

Sarri is notorious for sticking with the same starting line-up game after game for Napoli and signs are he will continue to do similar with Chelsea.

The Dane, 22, said: "It has been a difficult start to the season.

"I can't stand having to have so much patience again. I'm 22 years old now and I really want to play.

Chelsea and Brazil stars David Luiz and Willian dine in Dubai during the international break

"In the last three seasons I've played regularly for the teams I've been at, so of course I don't see myself staying if my current situation remains the same in the future.

"It's too early to talk about when I'm going to move, or if I'm going to move at all. But it's clearly not a good situation for me."

Meanwhile Jose Mourinho will discuss defensive reinforcements with Ed Woodward this week during a meeting with the Manchester United executive vice chairman in London.

The Portuguese is convinced his exit has been plotted behind his back, but the club are keen to clear the air with a meeting this week.