Chelsea could successfully offload fringe forward Joao Felix before the end of the January transfer window, with AC Milan working on securing a deal for the Portugal international.

Felix returned to Chelsea last summer in a £46m permanent transfer, having enjoyed a reasonably successfully loan at Stamford Bridge in the first half of 2023.

The 25-year-old has failed to command regular minutes this season, starting only three Premier League games and having his biggest impact in the Conference League and domestic cups.

On deadline day, AC Milan are described by Sky Sport Italy as “not giving up” on signing Felix. The player, who attended the Milan city derby at San Siro on Sunday night, is said to have already given his approval to a potential loan for the rest of the season.

Milan have “confidence” that an agreement with Chelsea will be possible, although there is still thought to be some caution from the Serie A side over Chelsea apparently changing conditions.

Felix had earlier been of interest to Aston Villa, who had also been in for last summer, prior to the ambitious side recruiting Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United. Milan themselves had also been heavily linked with Rashford, highlighting a desire for a new forward.

Kyle Walker, on loan from Manchester City with an option to buy, is the only first-team signing to join Milan during the winter transfer window as the deadline fast approaches.

The veteran defender made his debut in the derby against Inter, playing 90 minutes at right-back and impressing in his first game in a new country. Eighth-place Milan were agonisingly close to claiming both local bragging rights and a crucial three points as they attempt to reel in Serie A’s top four.