Chelsea reportedly intend to fend off any interest in Armando Broja during the January transfer window.
Having suffered a serious knee back in December, Broja has had to remain patient in his effort to work his way back to full fitness.
Although his comeback appearance did not arrive until the back end of September, there have been signs that Mauricio Pochettino is keen to use the 22-year-old where possible.
Either side of an issue with his other knee, Broja has made two starts and four substitute outings in all competitions, with his one goal being a fortuitous effort against Fulham at the beginning of October.
However, Nicolas Jackson is currently regarded as the clear first-choice forward by Pochettino and Christopher Nkunku is on the brink of making his return from a knee injury of his own.
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Where that may leave Broja remains to be seen, Chelsea also not having European fixtures where they could have potentially rotated their frontline.
It has recently been claimed that Fulham have identified Broja as a potential option in January as they bid to improve their options in the final third.
Representing a team directly located next to Chelsea may suit all parties with the Blues medical staff likely keen to monitor Broja in the short term.
Nevertheless, according to the Evening Standard, the Cottagers are currently unlikely to succeed with any approach.
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The report suggests that Pochettino would like to hand Broja more game time over the coming weeks and months to see if he can rediscover the level that he showed prior to his injury and on loan at Southampton.
Furthermore, Broja is said to be in no rush to depart Stamford Bridge, seemingly regardless of whether a new forward arrives at the turn of the year.
While Chelsea have been credited with an interest in Napoli's Victor Osimhen, the Nigeria international reportedly possesses a price-tag in the region of £130m.
Such a figure is comfortably out of Chelsea's reach due to their FFP situation, even if they are able to part ways with a number of players when business reopens.
Darren Plant
