Chelsea hoping to offload midfielder in January?

Chelsea are planning to terminate the loan contract of Saul Niguez when the transfer window reopens this winter.

The Spaniard joined the Blues with much hype over the summer, but he has since played just 47 minutes of Premier League football.

According to Marca, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel does not consider him as part of his long-term plans, and would prefer to send him back.

However, Atletico are not in a position to accept Saul's early comeback as his loan exit paved the way for Antoine Griezmann's return.

Diego Simeone's side are under a tight financial budget. Saul's departure over the summer helped them fund a loan move for Griezmann.

They have the obligation to buy the Frenchman permanently in two year's time regardless of his performances on the playing field.

It appears unlikely that they will mutually terminate Saul's loan contract unless there is another club interested in signing the 26-year-old.

Manchester United were heavily linked with him this summer, but they are unlikely to move for him after his struggles to adapt to English football.