Baba Rahman is set for a Sky Bet Championship loan move with Watford and Middlesbrough registering their interest in the left back.
The 26-year-old Ghana international moved to Stamford Bridge in 2015 and featured regularly in his first season, when Jose Mourinho was replaced by Guus Hiddink, but he has since spent time on loan at Schalke, Reims and Real Mallorca.
Watford, relegated from the Premier League last season, are keen to strengthen in defence. While Rahman is their top target at left back, they are also monitoring Leeds United’s Barry Douglas, who is surplus to requirements at Elland Road.
Danny Drinkwater, Jake Clarke-Salter and young goalkeeper Nathan Baxter could also head on loan to Football League clubs between now and the extended deadline of October 16 that will allow Premier League and EFL sides to do business with each other.
Drinkwater's high wages have proven off-putting for many clubs, while defender Clarke-Salter may rejoin Birmingham City on loan having spent last season at St Andrews.
Baxter, who started the campaign as third-choice goalkeeper but has since been reduced to fourth following Edouard Mendy's arrival from Rennes, could still end up playing development football at Chelsea but not definite decision has been made regarding the 21-year-old who was at Ross County last season.
Victor Moses is also still looking for a new destination.
Chelsea already have 29 players out on loan, including academy players, with four more sealing moves on Tuesday.
Malang Sarr and Marco van Ginkel joined Porto and PSV Eindhoven yesterday in addition to George McEachran heading to Maastricht and Juan Castillo AZ in the Netherlands.
