Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas reaches out to Real Madrid over possible return to Spain

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has ordered his representatives to reach out to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to discuss the possibility of a sensational move to the Santiago Bernabeu, according to reports in Spain.

Fabregas, 29, was left out of the starting XI in Antonio Conte's first Premier League game in charge against West Ham United on Monday (15 August). The former Italy coach opted for a midfield pairing of N'Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic, with the Spain international remaining on the substitutes' bench as Diego Costa scored the winner in a 2-1 victory.

Spanish publication Sport now claim the former Arsenal skipper is now looking to leave Stamford Bridge before the summer transfer window closes, with Real Madrid – arch-rivals of his former club Barcelona – a real possibility.

They claim the midfielder's representatives have made contact with Real chief Perez to "instigate talks" over a potential move.

Italian publication Tuttosport claimed last Friday Fabregas had been offered to Serie A champions Juventus as a possible replacement for Paul Pogba, who last week completed his return to Manchester United for a world record fee. But the possibility of another return to Spain now looms. The threat of a transfer ban could also prompt Real into action with the club expected to learn their fate in the coming days, according to AS.

Fabregas did not get a look in as Chelsea picked up their first win of the season at Stamford Bridge against Slaven Bilic's side. Fellow Spain international Pedro, new signing Michy Batshuayi and forgotten man Victor Moses were all introduced in the second half off the bench instead of the Spaniard, who watched on from the sidelines.

Since taking the reins at Stamford Bridge, Conte has opted against making any wholesale changes at the club with one of his first moves as manager ensuring John Terry was offered a contract extension. But persistent reports throughout the summer suggesting the Italian is looking for a sterner, stronger presence in midfield – as was on show against West Ham – could mean Fabregas' days are numbered.