Chelsea could eventually look to seal Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi's return to Stamford Bridge thanks to a clause 'which kicks in next summer', according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.
Guehi was only offered two senior appearances during his time on the Blues' books, having featured on more than 100 occasions for the west Londoners at youth level, and it seems he could still have a future at Chelsea despite being allowed to leave the club last year.
What's the latest news involving Guehi?
Guehi was offloaded to Palace last summer, with the Eagles willing to part with £18million in order to welcome him to Selhurst Park.
The 21-year-old gem admitted to being 'very excited' after penning a five-year deal with Patrick Vieira's side and there is no doubting that the move has paid off.
Guehi has made 33 appearances for the Eagles, worn the captain's armband on numerous occasions and also shown he is a threat in the opposition's penalty area by chipping in with four goals.
His impressive form has resulted in him earning a maiden call-up to the England international side, with Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate revealing the Palace man has been fast-tracked into the squad.
Central defender Guehi reacted to his selection by insisting he was 'very proud' to have been included in Southgate's plans, while Eagles chief Vieira feels representing his country will result in the former Chelsea man growing in confidence after meeting 'his ambition'.
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What has Tom Barclay said about Guehi?
Barclay has confirmed that Chelsea inserted a clause into the deal which took Guehi to Palace which means they could still beat admirers to his signature further down the line.
The journalist believes Blues head coach Thomas Tuchel could look to take advantage of the agreement from the summer of 2023.
Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: "I don't think they do have a buyback clause. My understanding is they have a clause, which kicks in next summer, where if another club makes a bid and it gets accepted then they have the right to match that bid and have it accepted.
"His story at Chelsea might not definitely be over, but it's not as simple as Tino Livramento, for example, where if they just offer close to £38million, they can get him back."
Are Chelsea regretting their decision to sell Guehi?
It is understood that Guehi did initially feature in Tuchel's plans ahead of Palace's big-money offer, so it would appear the German did not want him to leave Stamford Bridge in the first place.
With central defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen out-of-contract in the summer, along with right-back Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea will now be wishing they had decided not to cash-in on their academy product.
As it stands, the Blues will have six central defenders on their books next term, but that includes Ethan Ampadu, Matt Miazga and Jake Clarke-Salter, who are all currently out on loan.
The sanctioning of Roman Abramovich means Chelsea are not able to put summer transfer plans into action until the Russian oligarch is replaced as owner of the club.