Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahil appears to be having second thoughts regarding a January exit.

The news will come as a blow to Galatasaray who have been closely linked with the former England international in recent weeks.

Cahil was a key part of Antonio Conte’s starting eleven last season but has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of Maurizio Sarri.

The 32-year-old has found himself behind Antonio Rudiger, David Luiz and Andreas Christensen this season.

However, Cahil has played three times in the last month after voicing his desire to leave the club in January.

The former Bolton man also started against MOL Vidi in the Europa League on Thursday.

Following the win, Cahil hinted that he will remain at Chelsea this season: “We won the Europa League in 2013 and it was an amazing night, an amazing feeling. I take those memories and think to myself, ‘I want to do that again’.

“This year, we are in the Europa League and we will try to win this. For me, it’s just about getting out there playing as much as I can.

“I’m ambitious in everything I do. That is never going to change. I’m excited to see how far this team can go.

“I feel really fresh. I am ready whenever I’m called upon, whenever I’m needed.”

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Cahil is unlikely to start when Chelsea take on Southampton this weekend in the Premier League.

Galatasaray have been on the hunt for a new centre-back after failing to sign Jason Denayer over the summer. The Lions suffered a 1-0 defeat to FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.