Chelsea flop Davide Zappacosta keen on a return to Italy with Reece James breaking through

CHELSEA right-back Davide Zappacosta is keen on a return to Italy before the window shuts.

The ex-Torino star, 27, cannot get a decent first-team run and knows Reece James, 19, is also breaking through.

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The Blues would rather he stayed until James is clear of injury — to give them cover for Cesar Azpilicueta.

But a major bid from one of the bigger Serie A clubs could see the end of Zappacosta’s two-year stay in London.

Roma have been linked with the full-back who was left out of Chelsea's final pre-season draw with Borussia Monchengladbach.

He made just one Premier League start last season under Maurizio Sarri but was an ever-present in their Europa League success

If the Italian goes it will mean James stays and that will disappoint suitors Crystal Palace, Brighton and Burnley.

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Palace have tried to steal a march on their rivals by launching a £25million offer but Chelsea have turned it down.

Lampard plans to integrate the 19-year-old into the first team next season.

The Eagles reportedly also submitted an alternative proposal of an 18-month loan deal, which included a 'significant upfront fee', but the Blues did not budge on their position.

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