Premier League: Drinkwater set for Chelsea stay

Danny Drinkwater looks set to stay at Chelsea this season with the midfielder yet to receive any concrete offers to go elsewhere.

It was reported at the weekend that Coach Frank Lampard has already decided to get rid of the England international, although it is understood no conversations of that nature have taken place yet.

Drinkwater joined Chelsea from Leicester for £35m in 2017, but has struggled to make an impact. He made just one appearance as a substitute last season and that was in the Community Shield.

However, the 29-year-old has been more involved during the pre-season friendly games under Lampard this summer, playing in four of the five matches so far.

While Drinkwater won’t be first choice under Lampard, he will be able to provide back-up to Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante.

The fact he counts as a ‘homegrown player’ for the Premier League and ‘Association trained player’ for the Champions League will help the club satisfy rules over the make-up of their squad.

There is still a possibility that an English side might make an offer before the window closes on August 8 or from a team abroad for the rest of the month, however his salary in excess of £100,000-a-week might prove to be a deterrent.

Drinkwater is expected to be on the bench for the friendly at Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg tonight, while Kante could also make his first appearance under Lampard having returned from a knee injury.