Chelsea and Inter enter Zappacosta negotiations

The Italian only joined Antonio Conte's side on deadline day of last summer's transfer window from Torino, and could already be returning to Serie A, according to 'The Daily Mail'.

Zappacosta joined the Blues for £22 million just 12 months ago, meaning the club could lose over £5 million on the deal should they agree to the rumoured price of £17 million.

Playing 22 times and scoring once for Chelsea last campaign, he was often second-best in the starting XI to Nigerian wing-back Victor Moses and so had a frustating time at the club who had a disappointing season overall in the league but did manage to clinch the FA Cup.

It is thought the deal could involve a loan move with an option to buy the player afterwards.

The player's agent met with representatives of the Italian giants in Milan, suggesting that it could be the defender himself who is trying to engineer a move away from the London-based club.