Premier League clubs have been told that only in ‘exceptional circumstance’ will players returning from loan be considered for involvement this season.
It means that if the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Chris Smalling do not have their loan stays in Italy extended - and return to Manchester United - there will be no scope to include them in the squad except in the case of emergency.
Sources close to one club have said that the example of Chelsea has been cited as to why it would be unfair to allow the use of players returning from loan this summer.