Ethan Ampadu is not currently available to be signed on loan from Chelsea but the Blues may opt to change their stance later in the transfer window, depending on the outcome of their other January activities, Goal understands.
The 18-year-old has had a multitude of clubs publicly declare an interest in him over the past few months, including Cardiff City and Derby County, while Aston Villa were also thought to be keen on the Wales international.
Maurizio Sarri has only used Ampadu on two occasions all season, but there is potential for him to get increased game time as Cesc Fabregas is expected to make a move to Monaco next week and Gary Cahill is being permitted to leave on loan, with Fulham in the frame to snap up the English centre-back.