Chelsea have reportedly been dealt a blow in their efforts to find a club for Axel Disasi on deadline day.
The Blues remain the process of facilitating a number of outgoings to join Renato Veiga and Cesare Casadei in departing Stamford Bridge during the winter window.
As well as Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka, versatile defender Disasi is another player who could be allowed to leave on a temporary basis.
Last week, it was claimed that the Frenchman had agreed personal terms with Aston Villa ahead of a potential switch to the East Midlands.
However, Villa's efforts to sign Disasi were complicated over the weekend with Spurs registering an interest in the 26-year-old.
© Imago
Which club has withdrawn from Disasi race?
According to ESPN journalist James Olley, Spurs have now decided to end their efforts to secure a deal for the former Monaco star.
That alleged development comes on the back of Disasi having said to have turned down Spurs' advances in the hope of finalising a switch to Champions League-participating Villa.
Nevertheless, that potential move is complicated by Chelsea reportedly being against Disasi joining a team in Villa who are rivalling Chelsea for qualification for next season's Champions League.
A previous report claimed that Chelsea officials had an agreement in place with Disasi that they would find him a suitable loan for the remainder of the campaign.
Despite finding himself down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca, Disasi has still been provided with 15 starts and two substitute outings in all competitions.
Furthermore, he would likely be viewed as a key man in Chelsea's bid to win the Conference League should he stay put, yet it appears that his preference is regular action elsewhere.
© Imago
A waiting game for Emery
After Saturday's defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Villa head coach Unai Emery stressed that he 'needed players' on the back of a number of incomings and outgoings to ensure compliance with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations.
Villa have since allowed right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic to move to RB Leipzig on a loan move with the Bundesliga outfit having the option to buy.
At a time when Matty Cash, Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings are all on the sidelines, Emery is in desperate need of a senior player who can be used at centre-back, with the added bonus of being an option at right-back.
Darren Plant
