Chelsea are preparing to allow Davide Zappacosta to return to Italy after the English transfer window has shut as they wait for Reece James to return to fitness.

They have knocked back enquiries for highly-rated James from at least eight Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace and Brighton, with head coach Frank Lampard keen to make the 19-year-old Cesar Azpilicueta’s understudy at right-back.

James is currently recovering from ankle surgery and does not expect to be available before the end of the month, but Chelsea can afford to wait until the closure of the English transfer window on Thursday to sort out Zappacosta’s future.

Zappacosta is keen to return to Italy, either permanently or on loan, and Serie A clubs have until 2 September to sign new players, giving Chelsea time to check on James' recovery.

Chelsea signed Zappacosta for £25million from Torino two years ago, but he failed to make an impression under former head coaches Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri.