Chelsea close to sanctioning striker loan deal

Chelsea are close to sanctioning the departure of Michy Batshuayi on a season-long loan to Crystal Palace.

The Belgium international has struggled for regular game time since his arrival from Marseille more than four years ago.

With the arrival of Timo Werner this summer, he is potentially the fourth-choice striker at the club with Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud also ahead of him in the selection order.

Hence, it appears that he could be heading for the exit door and Sky Sports News claims that the marksman is close to a reunion with Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace.

Batshuayi spent the backend of the 2018/2019 campaign on loan with the south London outfit and he made a good impression with five goals from 11 appearances in the Premier League.

His current contract expires in 10 months' time, but the Blues are expected to extend his deal for another year before sanctioning his temporary move to Selhurst Park for the season, possibly with the option to buy.