French Ligue 1 club Stade Rennes have opened talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for defender Fikayo Tomori.
The 22-year-old started 2019/20 as an integral part of Frank Lampard‘s plans. However, he found his opportunities limited in the second half of the season and may look to move on this summer.
Rennes Open Talks for Fikayo Tomori Loan Deal
Future in Doubt
Only one of his 15 Premier League starts has come in 2020, as part of a poor Chelsea performance away to Bournemouth, leading to questions about the England international’s future at Stamford Bridge.
Rennes, who exceeded expectations in finishing third in the curtailed Ligue 1 campaign, are now said to be interested in taking Tomori to France and have made contact with the London club, a move which has also been reported by reliable French outlet L’Equipe.
Tomori made his England debut against Kosovo in 2019 after a string of impressive performances. In doing so, he chose to represent England over his birth nation of Canada as well as Nigeria, for whom he also qualified.
Loan is the Likely Option
A loan move is likely to be favoured by the Blues as they wouldn’t wish to part ways with someone with the defender’s potential.
With plenty of first-team experience from previous loan spells in the Championship at Hull City and Derby County, Rennes have clearly seen enough of their target to warrant making a move. With Champions League qualification secured for 2020/21 manager, Julien Stéphan knows he needs to add additional quality to his squad.
As Chelsea looks to strengthen their own defensive options, it is unlikely they would sanction the departure of Tomori before bringing in their own replacements. This means Rennes, or any other respective suitors, may have to wait to land their man.
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