Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has ruled out Ruben Loftus-Cheek's departure this month but conceded his future could be reassessed in January.
Loftus-Cheek spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace and established himself as a regular under Roy Hodgson, even forcing his way into Gareth Southgate's squad for the 2018 World Cup.
The England international was adamant during the summer he would not return to Chelsea this season if he meant spending another campaign on the bench.
Palace boss Roy Hodgson has already revealed the Eagles tried to re-sign Loftus-Cheek, while the powerful midfielder reportedly turned down advances from German side Schalke.
The 22-year-old can still secure a move to clubs in Germany, France and Spain until the end of the month but Sarri is adamant he is going no where until January at the very earliest.
"I have spoken with him twice this week after I spoke with the club. So I think that Loftus will remain with us," The Daily Telegraph quote Sarri as saying on Friday. "We can speak again about his situation, but I think only in December [before the January transfer window]."
Loftus-Cheek cut short his post-World Cup holiday in a bid to impress the Italian but Chelsea proceeded to sign Mateo Kovacic on loan from Real Madrid.
Of Premier League players that made at least 20 appearances last season, only four completed more dribbles per 90 minutes than Loftus-Cheek (3.5).
