Chelsea boss Lampard could be forced into transfer U-turn after Marina Granovskaia request

Chelsea: Lampard hints at loan move for Tomori

Chelsea could end up sealing a loan exit for wantaway defender Fikayo Tomori this month in order to help fund Frank Lampard’s transfer plans. Tomori has been linked with a move away from the Blues in recent weeks, with a number of clubs in England and abroad having been mentioned in connection with his signature.

The defender has played just once for Chelsea in the Premier League this season, but Lampard revealed on Friday that he believes Tomori can still have a successful career with the club.

The Blues boss also claimed that he is open to the idea of a short-term loan move, telling reporters: “There’s an absolute long-term plan for Fikayo in my head about his career here.

“And if it’s to go and play games it’s to absolutely enhance his personal development. Hopefully [he will] help whatever team he goes to, because that will come hand in hand, and then come back to us a better player.”

Lampard’s comments have highlighted a potential U-turn regarding his transfer plans for Tomori.

JUST IN: Chelsea boss Frank Lampard told small tweak can unlock his Jamie Vardy

The Blues manager suggested in November that he was happy to see the defender turn down a proposal to join cross-city rivals West Ham United on a temporary basis, but now appears to be keen to let him leave in search of regular minutes.

Chelsea transfer chief Marina Granovskaia reportedly told Lampard ahead of this month’s transfer window that the club would need to sell players in order to fund new additions.

While there is no indication that Tomori will leave on a permanent basis, Chelsea could still receive a loan fee for his services.

According to Italian outlet Sport Mediaset, AC Milan have offered a sum in the region of £890,000 in exchange for Tomori until the end of the season.

I Rossoneri have intensified their pursuit after number one defensive target Mohamed Simakan suffered a potentially serious knee injury while playing for Strasbourg on Sunday.

However, Granovskaia has asked the Serie A giants to stump up £2.6million, a demand that is causing problems for Milan as negotiations continue.

It remains to be seen whether Tomori will join the San Siro club this month or remain at Chelsea.

Leeds United are another side that have been tipped to land the Calgary-born defender on loan, with Marcelo Bielsa desperately seeking reinforcements at the back ahead of the business end of the season.

Tomori has made 27 senior appearances for the Blues since coming through the club’s academy ranks.

Source: Read Full Article