Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will be handed a transfer boost in the coming weeks due to a change in FIFA regulations.
The Blues' crop of former loan stars has been one of the stories of the season with Kurt Zouma, Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham all establishing themselves as first-team regulars having spent last term away from Stamford Bridge.
Lampard has made it his mission to get the most from the academy set-up, rather than looking towards the transfer market, which has benefited Chelsea massively already this term.
That could again play into their hands if, as expected, FIFA announce a new rule for loan players.
The Sun reports that from next season, under the plans that are set to be put into the FIFA rulebook, clubs will be limited to eight international loans for players over 22 years old.
That number will be reduced over the following two seasons so that by 2022-23 the limit will be six.
A FIFA spokesperson said: “Proposals were endorsed by the football stakeholders committee last September.
"These proposals are currently being developed to be turned into regulations."
Chelsea currently have 13 senior players out on loan such as Victor Moses, Davide Zappacosta, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Danny Drinkwater.
The rule is designed to prevent clubs 'hoarding' players, which is something Chelsea have been accused of under previous regimes.
However, under Lampard, the blueprint has been much different and this could actually be a boost for Chelsea under their new regime.
Lampard has shown an ability to get the best out of his players and with a full summer transfer window without a transfer ban, he will have a first opportunity to mould the Blues' squad without restriction.
