Patrick Bamford could make Chelsea return - Pardew

Alan Pardew has admitted that on-loan striker Patrick Bamford could head back to Chelsea, should he fail to earn sufficient game-time at Crystal Palace.

The 20-year-old joined the Eagles on a season-long loan following an excellent spell with Middlesbrough in the Championship last term.

However, Bamford has since then played only 16 minutes of Premier League football, and this has led to rumours that the Blues may look to activate the recall clause in the player's loan deal in January.

Pardew has now revealed that the talented youngster may return to Stamford Bridge if he does not see more playing time at the club.

"It is an obvious story, he is not playing at the moment, someone has spun it. That is unfortunate for Patrick because he is working hard, but it is an obvious situation. If he doesn't play any real time between now and January, we will have to look at it for sure.' he told reporters.

Palace host West Ham United in their next league fixture on Sunday.