Rising star Billy Gilmour has been tipped to leave Chelsea on-loan in January.
The Scotland U-21 midfielder has been sidelined since July with a knee injury that required surgery.
Gilmour was back in the gym as of September and it's been speculated he could return around December.
Blues boss Frank Lampard added considerable firepower to his squad over the summer without signing a central midfielder.
It suggests the manager could be keen not to block Gilmour's path into the first team when he eventually does return.
However, it's been suggested the former Rangers youth could be set for a temporary move in the New Year to aid his long-term prospects.
An unnamed football agent told The Athletic they expect the 19-year-old to spend time elsewhere before the end season, saying: "Younger lads that didn't go on-loan will force a move.
"The Carabao Cup is out of the window for the next two months as the rounds have already been played.
"Fikayo Tomori and Billy Gilmour should go in January."
