According to latest reports, former Chelsea and England captain, John Terry, is unlikely to get a contract extension at the end of the season as the manager doesn’t see the 36-year-old in his plans.
Terry has managed just 10 appearances this season and has fallen way down the pecking order. While the West London side is willing to offer their loyal player a coaching role at the club, his playing time seems almost up at Stamford Bridge. After almost retiring at the end of last season, he was given the last minute one-year deal as an attempt to leave the club on a good note.
And now as the player is more and more likely to achieve his fifth Premier League title this season, a move is a big possibility opening the doors for MLS and the Chinese league. Terry is a hugely popular figure among fans and Chelsea expect good money from his sale. The player would also like to take a detour before taking the coaching role.
Here are 3 centre-backs Chelsea could consider replacing Terry with-
Leonardo Bonucci- Conte has managed the 29-year-old both at the club level as well as in national colours, and now with his first team appearances increasingly drying up under Allegri, a move out of the club won’t be surprising.
The trio of David Luiz, Garry Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta has been impeccable this season and it will be a huge mistake to think that will continue next year. With more competitions to play then, Conte would need someone having Bonucci’s experience to keep the ship stable in all conditions.
Pepe- There are high chances that Real Madrid would let him go at the end of the season. The Portugal international has fallen down the pecking order to Raphael Varane and with Zidane having grand plans coming summer, his position at the club is clouded. A move to Chelsea could be a perfect move as he should get chances in the elite competitions and he won’t have to compromise much with his wages.
Jamaat Lascelles- With Nathan Ake and Kurt Zouma already in the pipeline waiting to grab the first chance they get, bringing in more highly-rated defenders would only increase the bench strength for Conte. The Italian plays a three-man defence, which furthermore reduces the need for numerous players in that position.
Hence, the 23-year-old fits the bill quite perfectly for the Blues given his age and progress. Though Newcastle are more or less getting promoted to the Premier League next season, they wouldn’t able to retain their skipper if Chelsea comes calling.
