Chelsea are expected to get rid of a number of players this summer as the club looks to balance the books and reshape the squad ahead of Xabi Alonso's first season in charge.
After missing out on European football, sales this summer will be very important, particularly when it comes to fringe players who are unlikely to play a significant role in Alonso's future plans. One player who appears to fall into that category is Tyrique George.
The academy graduate spent last season on loan at Everton and, according to the latest reports, David Moyes is still deciding whether to make the move permanent.
Everton open to signing Tyrique George permanently
According to BBC Sport, Everton haven't ruled out activating the forward's option-to-buy clause.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a mixed spell at Goodison Park, showing flashes that once made him one of Chelsea's most highly-rated academy prospects. He featured 11 times for the Toffees last season but failed to score a single goal.
Even so, there is clearly enough interest for Everton to continue considering a permanent deal.
George remains a talented young player with plenty of potential and now finds himself in a position where regular first-team football is far more likely elsewhere than it is at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's attacking options already look overcrowded heading into the new season, while further additions are expected as Alonso begins putting his own stamp on the squad.
For players like George, leaving west London may be his only chance of developing because staying at Chelsea will only come with limited opportunities and more competition for places.
Given Chelsea's need to raise funds and reduce their bloated squad, it is easy to understand why all parties may view a permanent transfer as the best solution.
Xabi Alonso has been silent
There have been rumours in recent weeks suggesting the incoming Alonso has already been contacting players behind the scenes to reassure them about their futures.
However, it is believed this has not been the case with the 44-year-old opting to keep his cards close to his chest until after he takes charge on July 1.
Alonso will inherit a squad that could look very different by the time pre-season begins, with several players expected to arrive and many others set for the exit door. Alejandro Garnacho, Enzo Fernandez and Liam Delap are just some of the names rumoured to be wanted elsewhere.
Consequently, rather than making promises before assessing the squad properly, the new Chelsea manager wants to wait until he starts work before making any major decisions.
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