Chelsea make Caleb Wiley decision that could lead to late deadline day deal | OneFootball

Blues hard at work in the final hours of the winter window

Chelsea have recalled defender Caleb Wiley from his loan spell at French sister club Strasbourg, potentially freeing up space for another deadline day outgoing.

Wiley, who has immediately joined Championship side Watford on loan for the rest of the campaign, had been one of three Chelsea players on loan at Strasbourg, along with Djordje Petrovic and Andrey Santos.

As well as Petrovic and Santos, Chelsea currently have Renato Veiga out on loan at Juventus and goalkeeper Mike Penders at Genk.

Carney Chukwuemeka is expected to join Borussia Dortmund on loan on Monday and should that move be confirmed, the Blues will now - thanks to Wiley’s recall - have one slot left to use.

Joao Felix is one possible candidate and is the subject of interest from AC Milan, while Axel Disasi also has European suitors. Aaron Anselmino, the young Argentine defender who was himself recalled from an international loan at Boca Juniors at the start of the window, has been linked with Marseille.

FIFA has gradually phased in its new loan rules in recent seasons, in part in attempt to stop the richest clubs from stockpiling talent. Only players who are both club-trained and aged 21 or under are exempt.