Chelsea defender Baba Rahman is reportedly undergoing a medical at Schalke with a view of completing a season-long loan deal to the Bundesliga club.
The 22-year-old only arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer, and despite signing a five-year deal, it appears as though Chelsea are keen on sending him out on loan to gain experience.
Sky Sports report that the former Augsburg star could be set for a return to Germany sooner than expected, as he will now have a battle on his hands to prove that he deserves a second stint in the Premier League.
Rahman made 23 appearances in all competitions last season, but it appears as though he isn’t part of Antonio Conte’s plans and has been deemed surplus to requirements.
In turn, he will now join a group of players sent out on loan, with Nathan Ake, Charly Musonda and Lewis Baker all allowed to leave with a view of potentially returning to play a key role for the Blues in the future.
Conte arrived at Stamford Bridge later than many would have ideally liked him to start work this summer, as he led Italy to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.
However, in his defence, he has wasted little time in getting to work with the signings of Michy Batshuayi and N’Golo Kante, and he will now continue to look at ways in which he can strengthen his squad and ensure that they improve on their efforts from last season.
It appears as though a full-back may now also be on his agenda too given that Cesar Azpilicueta needs cover on the left hand side, but Conte will likely have the confidence of the hierarchy and supporters to bring in the right man for the job.