Chelsea have reportedly informed Trevoh Chalobah that he is free to find another club in January.
After a number of loan spells away from Stamford Bridge, the versatile Englishman was able to cement a spot in the senior ranks under Thomas Tuchel.
Across two seasons, Chalobah has made a total of 63 appearances in all competitions, contributing four goals and one assist from centre-back or right wing-back.
However, the influx of talent signed from elsewhere has had a detrimental effect on the 24-year-old's efforts to retain his spot under Mauricio Pochettino.
Although the academy graduate featured regularly during pre-season, the arrival of Axel Disasi and an injury picked up towards the end of the club's preparations for the new campaign have resulted in him dropping down the pecking order.
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During the closing week of the summer transfer window, it became evident that co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital were happy to cash in on Chalobah, a result of needing and wanting to boost the club's position with FFP.
Bayern Munich were the favourites to get a deal over the line, only to run out of time on transfer deadline day, while Chalobah allegedly turned down the advances of Nottingham Forest.
Head coach Pochettino has since insisted that Chalobah has a part to play in his squad, stating that he remains available for selection.
Nevertheless, according to TEAMtalk, Chalobah has already been told that he can find a new club at the turn of the year.
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Whether Chalobah will return to the squad after injury remains to be seen, the West Londoners currently not blessed with options at the back.
That said, the reported development may result in Pochettino favouring alternatives when Chelsea are not in a position where they are playing twice a week due to European football.
Chalobah is said to have pushed to remain at Chelsea, a club that he joined in 2007 and represented on 74 occasions at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 level.
Instead, Chelsea seem ready to re-open negotiations with Bayern, who are managed by Chalobah's former boss Tuchel, and other clubs who may come into the mix.
Darren Plant
