Cardiff City's hopes of bringing Omari Kellyman back to the club have received a significant boost after Chelsea were reported to be seriously considering another loan move to the Championship.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a superb spell in south Wales last season, scoring 11 goals as Brian Barry-Murphy's side secured promotion back to the Championship, and the Bluebirds remain keen to reunite with one of their standout performers.
Chelsea's Loan Decision
According to Football.London Chelsea correspondent Bobby Vincent, the Blues are currently weighing up whether Kellyman should spend next season on loan abroad - the player's preferred option - or remain in England.
However, Vincent reports that a Championship move is still "a serious option" for the highly-rated attacker, with a number of second-tier clubs expected to present their plans to Chelsea. That could hand Cardiff a major opportunity.
Key Connections
While the Bluebirds are unlikely to be the only Championship club interested in Kellyman, Barry-Murphy and assistant Lee Riley boast an important connection that could prove valuable. Both coaches worked closely with Chelsea co-sporting director Joe Shields during their time together in Manchester City's academy setup.
Shields is heavily involved in Chelsea's loan decisions for young players, giving Cardiff an established relationship with one of the key decision-makers. Whether that ultimately proves decisive remains to be seen, but it is a connection few of Cardiff's Championship rivals are likely to possess.
Kellyman's Rise
Kellyman's stock has risen considerably over the past 12 months. When he arrived at Cardiff last summer, he was looking to rebuild his career after a lengthy injury lay-off that restricted him to very little football following surgery on a double hamstring injury.
He quickly became one of Barry-Murphy's most influential attacking players. Operating across the front line and as a No.10, Kellyman finished the campaign with 11 goals and two assists in League One, playing a pivotal role in Cardiff's immediate return to the Championship. His performances only strengthened Chelsea's belief that they have one of England's brightest young attacking prospects.
Competition and Preference
Back in June, it emerged Chelsea had already decided Kellyman would spend another season away from Stamford Bridge, with Championship clubs and sides across Europe registering an interest. Now, with Chelsea still weighing up the best destination for the England youth international, Cardiff's chances remain firmly alive.
The biggest challenge for the Bluebirds may be convincing Kellyman himself. According to Football.London, the player's preference is currently to experience football abroad, while Chelsea are also considering that option as part of his long-term development.
If the Premier League club decide another season in the Championship would better serve his progress, though, Cardiff will be confident they can make a compelling case. Kellyman knows the club, knows Barry-Murphy's style of play and enjoyed the most productive season of his young career in south Wales.
Cardiff are indeed keen to bolster their ranks out wide this summer and Kellyman could represent a real option to fill that role.
