Chelsea set to refuse Gary Cahill's request to leave Stamford Bridge

GARY CAHILL will not be allowed to leave Chelsea this month despite asking for a move.

Posted Thursday, January 28, 2016 by Dailystar.co.uk

Chelsea set to refuse Gary Cahill's request to leave Stamford Bridge
EXPERIENCED: Gary Cahill

It is understood the England defender has yet to hand in a written transfer request but sources close to the player insist he wants out.

Cahill, 30, fears he may miss out on Euro 2016 if his lack of playing time under Guus Hiddink continues, and has told friends he is at the "crossroads of his career."

But Chelsea - who yesterday rejected a £7.6m bid from Leicester for Loic Remy - will not consider selling him until next summer.

Cahill signed a new contract with the Blues just before Christmas but has played just twice since Hiddink took over from Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea are on the verge of signing £3.5m New York Red Bulls defender Matt Miazga, who is seen as a potential long-term replacement for Cahill, in the next few days.

The USA international, 20, is expected in London for a medical this week, and the deal should be completed quickly as his Polish passport means he won't need a work permit.

The Blues also close to signing Alex Pato on loan from Corinthians, with the player arriving in London yesterday to discuss personal terms.

His arrival could hasten the exit of Remy, who has started just one league game this season and wants to get out to improve his chances of making the France squad for the Euros.

Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham have also looked at Remy but Chelsea are holding out for as close to the £10.5m they paid QPR for the striker as they can get.

WANTED: Matt Miazga

It is the news of Cahill's frustration that will most concern Hiddink though. John Terry and Kurt Zouma have been his preferred centre-back pairing.

But the Dutchman does not want to lose such an experienced defender at such a crucial time of the season with Chelsea still in a perilous position in the league.

Cahill is an England vice-captain and skippered the side for the first time in October's Euro 2016 qualifying victory over Estonia.

But he fears he could be overlooked for the finals by Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson with Chris Smalling, John Stones, Phil Jagielka and Phil Jones and all competing for a place in the squad.

Cahill has played over 170 times for Chelsea since he joined them from Bolton for around £7m in January 2012.

He has since won the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup, but has played just 12 times in the league this season.