Chelsea loanees Kurt Zouma, Tammy Abraham and Ola Aina are the leading contenders to be included in the senior squad next season.
Maurizio Sarri admitted last week that of the 41 players who have been elsewhere this term, two to three were under most consideration to feature.
The Italian refused to name them but Standard Sport has learned that Zouma, Abraham and Aina are the ones ahead of everyone else.
Zouma has impressed at Everton, starting 29 League games. Everton want to buy him but Chelsea are set to reject any bids.
The Blues need another centre-half because Gary Cahill’s contract expires next month and he is not being offered a new one. Chelsea cannot buy a replacement because of FIFA’s transfer ban.
They have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and are waiting to find out whether the judicial body will freeze FIFA’s punishment — therefore allowing them to recruit — while their case is heard.
Zouma joined Chelsea in January 2014. A knee injury in February 2016 kept him out for 11 months. Chelsea loaned him to Stoke last term and Everton this season.
Abraham has scored 26 goals for Aston Villa and is set to bolster Chelsea’s attacking options.
The 21-year-old, whose spot-kick ensured Villa beat West Brom on penalties in the semi-final of the play-offs last night, has shown he can perform under pressure at a big club, albeit in the Championship.
Despite being wanted by Wolves, Everton and Red Bull Leipzig as well as Villa, Abraham is prioritising a return to Chelsea.
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He said: “As a young kid, I’ve always believed I will play for Chelsea. I think I have the ability. I just have to grab the opportunity when it comes.”
