Chelsea are considering recalling Callum Hudson-Odoi from his loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen after Graham Potter was interested in signing him at Brighton, according to reports.
The winger was allowed to leave Chelsea on a loan deal during this summer, with Thomas Tuchel not able to fit him into his plans at Stamford Bridge.
However, Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly was keen to ensure that Hudson-Odoi's move to the Bundesliga would only be temporary, holding firm to deny Bayer Leverkusen an option to buy.
Speaking on the deal recently, Hudson-Odoi admitted: “It's definitely different. When a club is trying to get a player (on loan), they always want that option to buy at the end of the season.
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“Todd was saying: 'Listen, we want you back here.'
“You're still on the radar of being wanted by the club. The way he's trying to set it up, there are a lot of young players he's trying to buy for the next few years.
“It shows he wants to integrate the players into the team and help them develop.”
The winger clearly has one eye on a return to Chelsea, but this could come sooner than anticipated.
Tuchel was dismissed as Chelsea head coach and replaced by former Brighton boss Potter.
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It was previously believed that the Seagulls held interest in Hudson-Odoi and were looking to sign him during the summer transfer window.
However, with Levi Colwill already at the club on loan, a move did not materialise and just weeks later, Potter joined Chelsea.
The new Blues head coach could play a vital role in Hudson-Odoi's future at the club, with Chelsea now reportedly considering recalling the winger in January.
As reported by Sport Bild, Potter and Chelsea are considering an early recall, an option which was included in his loan deal.
This leaves open the possibility of a January return to London, with Potter interested in the winger during his time at Brighton.
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It remains to be seen as to whether Chelsea will look to bring Hudson-Odoi back in January.
Last winter, the Blues were unsuccessful in recalling Emerson Palmieri from his loan spell at Lyon, but with an option to recall Hudson-Odoi in his Bayer Leverkusen loan, this could be a simpler operation.
Potter will have to work with what he has for now, but will no doubt be keeping a close eye on Hudson-Odoi's progress up until the summer window.
Topics: Chelsea, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Graham Potter, Bayer Leverkusen, Football