Trevoh Chalobah wants to fight for his place at Chelsea despite being informed he can leave the club this summer.
Chalobah has not been included as part of the 28-player squad for the club’s pre-season tour of the United States with the Blues open to offers for the centre-back.
Chelsea believe there is sufficient cover in central defence in Enzo Maresca’s squad, with Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi and summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo all capable of playing as a right-sided centre-back.
Chalobah’s omission from the pre-season squad appears to suggest an imminent departure, but the Evening Standard are reporting that the Cobham graduate is not prepared to give up on his Chelsea career.
The defender wants to fight for his place in West London and will only consider an exit for a club competing in European football.
Crystal Palace and Fulham have been heavily linked with signing the 25-year-old, though Chalobah’s stance could end hopes of a potential deal in the region of £25m.
Manchester United and Tottenham have monitored Chalobah’s situation at Chelsea, with the defender’s homegrown status and comfortability at centre-back or right-back appealing.