Everton defender Lucas Digne may have a "viable path" to join Italian champions Inter now his Goodison Park career appears to be over for good.
The full-back's future has been the subject of constant speculation ever since a rift appeared between him and Blues boss Rafa Benitez.
Digne's departure looks inevitable after Benitez revealed to reporters that the former Barcelona man had told him he no longer wants to play for Everton.
According to FC Inter 1908, part of Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the Serie A champions are ready to offer the 28-year-old a deal.
The report notes what Benitez said at his press conference, and named Digne alongside several other options Nerazzuri boss Simone Inzaghi has for a left-back recruit.
With Chelsea looking to recall Emerson from his loan spell in Milan to cover for injuries to Ben Chilwell and Reece James, the Italian side will likely need a replacement this month.
That means, according to the report, Inters is a "viable path" for Digne, while the San Siro club is also looking at Borussia Monchengladbach's Algerian international Ramy Bensebaini.
His current Gladbach team-mate Matthias Ginter and Lazio defender Luiz Felipe were also name-checked as potential Inter recruits this month.
Addressing the Digne situation, Benitez said on Friday: "I'm a professional, I try to manage. Since my first day here, I know what the fans want.
"When you're not winning, it's more difficult. The reality is that we need players who want to be here for any reason.
"Talking about the stats, individual stats, when the team finished tenth – it means nothing for me.
"What I want is a winning mentality, I want ambition. it will take some time, maybe, but at least we try to do things in the right way."
The arrival of left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko already this month is another hint that Digne's time as an Everton player is nearing an end, as the Blues already have a ready-made replacement for him.
If Inter do want to secure his services, they will reportedly have to fight off reported interest from Premier League sides Newcastle United, West Ham, Chelsea and Aston Villa.
