Frank Lampard drops hint on Leeds target Fikayo Tomori

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Frank Lampard has suggested – in comments reported by Football London – that Fikayo Tomori could leave on loan, amid recent links with the likes of Leeds United and Newcastle.

Tomori’s future has been a talking point for a little while. He has made just one substitute appearance in the Premier League for Chelsea this season.

The Chronicle reported earlier in the month that the Magpies were keen on the 23-year-old. And it was claimed that he had been offered to Steve Bruce on loan.

Interestingly, BBC Sport has since claimed that Leeds looked the most likely destination for the England international. The Whites have had to deal with several defensive injuries this season.

And after Tomori was left out of the starting lineup for Chelsea’s FA Cup tie with Morecambe on Sunday, Lampard hinted that he could indeed be allowed to leave temporarily.

“Situation with Fikayo is open at the moment,” he said, as reported by Football London. “There is a possibility he could be going on loan to get games somewhere else. So that would have to be the solution for him and the club. That was part of my thinking of not starting him today.

“I gave him some minutes at the end but while we are looking at that I wanted to make sure it was the right thing for the club and for him and individually. So that’s why he didn’t start. But his attitude, even though he hasn’t played much recently, has been fantastic in training and in how he is.”

If Tomori is made available, it is difficult to imagine a club not pushing to take him for the rest of the season.

He was extremely impressive during the early stages of last season. And he should improve as he gets more and more game-time under his belt.

In truth, a Leeds move may come as a surprise. Marcelo Bielsa has not enjoyed huge success with the small number of January signings he has made during his time at Elland Road.

Newcastle may have a different view. If Bruce is working with a tight budget, a loan will surely appeal.

And it appears that Lampard may be ready to leave the door open for Tomori to go.