Sampdoria coach Claudio Ranieri has joined the battle for Chelsea defender Malang Sarr.

Signed as a free agent this summer after coming off contract from Nice, Sarr is expected to be sent away on-loan by Chelsea before Monday's deadline.

Sarr has been linked with a return to France at St Etienne, while Borussia Monchengladbach are also keen.

Former Chelsea manager Ranieri is another interested as he seeks to strengthen his defensive options at Samp.

Chelsea are eager to place Sarr at a club where he will be guaranteed an automatic starting place.