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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport

Michy Batshuayi relishing Crystal Palace loan transfer as he fixes sights on regular football

Michy Batshuayi is relishing the prospect of regular football ahead of his return to Crystal Palace on loan.

The Chelsea striker, who scored twice for Belgium against Iceland last night, is set to pen a 12-month contract extension with the Blues before joining Palace on loan for the second time in his career.

During his previous spell at Selhurst Park, Batshuayi bagged six goals in 13 appearances and Roy Hodgson is now looking to the 26-year-old to solve his side’s goalscoring woes.

For Batshuayi, who has not played a minute for Chelsea since a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in February, the move is all about getting playing time ahead of next summer’s Euros.

“Am I going to re-sign at Chelsea to be loaned to Palace? You’re on the right track when you say that,” said Batshuayi. “It’s something like that. The most important thing for me is to be ready when I come to the national team.”

Chelsea are also closing in on a deal for Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, as Frank Lampard looks to provide competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga, while defender Fikayo Tomori is thought to be in line for another season away on loan, this time with Everton.

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