Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has decided to "phase out" captain John Terry from the club over the coming months, with the decision reportedly being taken to not renew the central defender's contract in 2017.
Terry has been linked with a move away from the club for the better part of this year, though he did sign an extension to his deal over the summer. Conte has however opted to pick other players in recent months - though Terry has had injury issues to deal with - and he's notstarted in any of Chelsea's recentseven consecutive victories.
John Terry, captain - leader - legend. pic.twitter.com/r3aCKrumSe
The 36-year-old was earning £140,000-a-week previously, though had to take a hefty pay cut in order to stay on with the club this season. However, all signs now point to the theory that Terry will not have his contract renewed, according to theMail,with current boss Antonio Conte keen to revamp his defence.
There remains plenty of interest in Terry from the likes of the Chinese Super League, andShanghai Shenhua, who are now led by former Chelsea player Gus Poyet, are looking into pulling off a deal. Terry could earn as much as £12m-a-season if he opts to move to Asia, but the report claims he won't consider his long-term future until the end of this campaign.
Terry is hopeful that his side can secure the Premier League title come the end of the season, but after the conclusion of the campaign he will also consider his options from the likes ofTurkey, Major League Soccerand clubs in theMiddle East.
Conte is keen to bring in one of Leonardo Bonucci and Antonio Rudiger from Serie A, while Kurt Zouma is set to return from long-term injury soon and Andreas Christensen will return to the club from a loan with Borussia Monchengladbach this summer.
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