Bristol City fans hopeful of keeping Tomas Kalas next season may have been handed a boost.
The defender was imperious for the Robins on loan from Chelsea this season, forming an imposing partnership with Adam Webster in the centre of defence.
It was the sort of partnership that the Robins can build on, but Kalas' loan has now expired after they missed out on the play-offs.
Unlike in the case of Jay Dasilva, the Robins do not have an option to buy Kalas now that his loan has expired - although CEO Mark Ashton promised to have discussions with the Blues over the player's future.
An impending Chelsea transfer ban could add an extra twist to the transfer tale.
The Blues appealed the decision to hand the club a two-window transfer ban, and a decision on whether they will be able to sign any players this summer is expected soon.
Kalas was not the only Chelsea defender out on loan this season, with 24-year-old Kurt Zouma impressing for Everton, to such an extent that the Toffees want to sign him permanently.
However, the Liverpool Echo report that, as it stands, Chelsea are expecting Zouma to return to Stamford Bridge for next season.
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If Chelsea's transfer ban is enforced, it likely means that they will be reluctant to sell players due to the need to keep squad depth - especially in defence, with both David Luiz and Gary Cahill likely to leave on free transfers this summer.
Should Zouma return to Stamford Bridge for next season, though, then it would still leave Kalas fairly down the pecking order - and it may well mean that the Blues would be willing to let him leave this summer.
If so, then there is still a chance that he links up with Webster again for the Robins next season.
