Report: Drinkwater to consider Chelsea exit; Monaco to pursue Bakayoko

A combination of growing frustration over a lack of playing time and the potential of a new manager replacing Antonio Conte this summer could spell the end to Danny Drinkwater's time at Chelsea.

Despite joining the Blues from Leicester City for £35m on deadline day last summer, Drinkwater will consider his options this when the season ends after falling down the pecking order under Conte, according to Dominic Fifield of the Guardian.

Drinkwater emerged as a regular contender for a place in the England squad last year, but the midfielder has fallen out of contention and will most likely be overlooked by Gareth Southgate when he selects his squad ahead of the World Cup this summer.

The 28-year-old's time at Chelsea got off to a difficult start when a calf injury delayed his debut until Oct. 25. After overcoming the knock, Drinkwater struggled to convince Conte he was worthy of regular playing time over the likes of N'Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas, and Tiemoue Bakayoko, who may also be on the way out after the season concludes.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Fifield suggests AS Monaco could launch a bid to reunite with Bakayoko, but Chelsea continues to hold out hope he will overcome his frustrating debut season in England after buying him from the defending Ligue 1 champion last summer for £40 million.

Meanwhile, Conte's future at Stamford Bridge is reportedly up in the air, as the Italian is expected to be part with Chelsea this summer.