Danny Drinkwater could be in line to return to former club Leicester City (Image: GETTY)
The Foxes did enquire about Drinkwater before the summer transfer window closed but were unable to agree a deal with Chelsea.
The England international, who helped the Foxes win a Premier League title in 2016, has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place at Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old, who started his career at Manchester United and who cost Chelsea £35million 12 months ago, could leave in January if first-team football continues to elude him.
So far this season his only first-team appearance came in the Community Shield and the signing of Jorginho pushed him further out of the picture.
Southampton are another club that looked at Drinkwater in the summer and could rival Leicester in wanting a loan deal for the second half of the season.
West Ham were also sniffing around the Manchester-born ace as Manuel Pellegrini splashed the cash at the London Stadium.
Meanwhile, Chelsea maintained their 100 per cent start to the season by beating Bournemouth 2-0 on Saturday.
Pedro got the ball rolling in the 72nd minute before Eden Hazard put the game beyond the Cherries.
Danny Drinkwater cost Chelsea £35million 12 months ago (Image: GETTY)
Maurizio Sarri couldn’t have wished for a better start to life at the helm having replaced Antonio Conte in July.
But he’s not resting on his laurels with a top four finish the minimum expectation this term.
“I am happy with the result and performance,” Sarri said.
“It was a very difficult game, they are very organised in the defensive phase, they defended very well.
“In the first half it was difficult and maybe we needed to move the ball at a higher speed and have some better movements, but in this kind of match usually you can win in the last 20 or 25 minutes.
“At the moment I’m very happy with my players.
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