Chelsea block Tiemoue Bakayoko exit?

Chelsea have reportedly blocked Tiemoue Bakayoko's proposed loan return to AS Monaco amid concerns over the midfielder's future transfer value.

Bakayoko has already been deemed surplus to requirements by Blues boss Frank Lampard after playing no part in the first three games of the season.

A recent report from RMC suggested that he could make a return to the Ligue 1 with Monaco, where he won the league title during the 2016/17 campaign.

However, that no longer seems to be the case with the Blues' board concerned that a move to the Principality outfit may reduce the player's transfer value.

Instead, they want the Frenchman to wait for another high-profile club to make an approach and this may potentially delay his departure until January.

Bakayoko did feature during the early stages of pre-season under Lampard before dropping out of contention alongside teammate Danny Drinkwater.

Drinkwater has already joined Burnley on a short-term loan until the turn of the year, but it seems Bakayoko may have to wait a bit longer for his exit.