Crystal Palace 'will bid for Conor Gallagher in January' if the midfielder fails to nail down a regular starting place at Chelsea.
Gallagher, 22, impressed during a loan spell at Selhurst Park last season and Palace wanted him to return during the summer.
But Thomas Tuchel wanted to keep the England international at Stamford Bridge.
However, Gallagher has endured a rocky start to the season and was sent off in Chelsea's 2-1 win over Leicester City last weekend.
He returned to Chelsea's starting line-up for Saturday's win over West Ham but competition for places is strong in their midfield.