Chelsea have played down reports suggesting that John Terry's future at Stamford Bridge has already been decided.

A report in The Times claimed that the 36-year-old was told by members of the Blues hierarchy that he would not be part of their first-team squad next season.

However, Chelsea head of communications Steve Atkins poured cold water on the speculation, disclosing that a meeting between the two parties will take place towards the end of the season.

He said: "It's a little early in the season for stories like this to come out. It is the kind of discussion that we have with players in the last year of their contract, but much later in the season.

"That discussion has not taken place between John and the club. It's something that will be discussed later in the season, not for now."

Terry, who has not started in the Premier League for Chelsea since September, has been linked with a move to the Chinese Super League.