‘Bournemouth plot move for John Terry’

Terry, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, has seen playing time restricted since Antonio Conte’s switch to a 3-4-3 formation – although he only recently returned from an injury lay-off.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is apparently plotting a move for the 36-year-old, with the Telegraph among those to suggest Terry could bolster the defence after Nathan Ake was recalled by the Blues.

With Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta the preferred trio in Conte’s back three – and Kurt Zouma and now Ake potentially ahead in the pecking order – Terry may sign off his Blues career with only a handful more appearances.

Terry was sent off on his return to action at the weekend, lunging in as last man during the 4-1 win over Peterborough in the FA Cup third round.

It’s bold, but also surely pointless.

While the carrot of Premier League football would naturally tempt a player struggling for game time, how can you convince a one-club man (save for a short loan spell at Nottingham Forest) to move clubs? He will still get a chance in the FA Cup for Chelsea and may even be called upon when the Premier League title race gets nervy.