Chelsea are reportedly prepared to send Cesc Fabregas out on loan in January and could even contribute to his wages in order to make it happen, with manager Antonio Conte hoping to replace him with another midfielder.

That's according to the Times' Matt Hughes (h/t the Sun's Sam Morgan), who added Fabregas—who has started just one Premier League game this season—earns £160,000 per week at Stamford Bridge, making him the third-highest earner at the club.

Given how little he's played the Blues believe his wages are "unjustifiable," but they could be willing to subsidise them in order to tempt other clubs into loaning him out—his salary might otherwise ward off potential suitors.

Fabregas hasn't featured in Chelsea's last four league matches, but the Blues have won them all comfortably, netting 11 goals in the process, so it's clear they can operate without his creativity or goals in midfield.

Not only is Eden Hazard getting back to his best, but Chelsea have also found another playmaker in the unlikely form of Nemanja Matic:

The Serbian has more licence to create thanks to the addition of N'Golo Kante in the team, and the duo's partnership, along with Hazard's move into a central role, leaves little room for Fabregas.

Hughes believes the Blues' desire to move him on is not indicative of his quality, however, and noted the 29-year-old is hoping to stay put:

Indeed, Fabregas' passing, creativity and technical skills would make him a fine addition to almost any team.

His desire to regain his place in the side is commendable, but if the Blues' form continues he may have little opportunity to get on the pitch, and if he does, hitting top form immediately will be difficult due to the lack of match practice.

If he does leave, Morgan noted his options could include Manchester City and AC Milan.

Meanwhile, according to the Mirror's Darren Lewis, Crystal Palace could be interested in snapping up Branislav Ivanovic.

The 32-year-old is in his final year at Stamford Bridge and after losing his place in the side, another contract is unlikely to be forthcoming. As such, Palace could get him for free at the end of the season or buy him in January if Chelsea want a fee for him and are willing to let him go midway through the campaign.

Ivanovic has been a stalwart for Chelsea since his arrival at the club in 2008, but since the start of last season he has seen his form decline and no longer warrants a regular place in the starting lineup.

His experience and versatility—he can play as a right-back or in the centre—could still make him a shrewd acquisition for Palace, though, particularly as he would either come cheap or for nothing.