Newcastle have reportedly been sending scouts to monitor Conor Gallagher, indicating that they could be preparing for a summer swoop.
The Magpies were keen on the midfielder last summer when they thought he could be part of a summer clear-out.
And Gallagher's position at Stamford Bridge has only become more unstable, with the club considering selling him to raise funds and comply with Premier League financial rules.
Chelsea's operating loss last year was a staggering £249million, so outgoings are expected this summer, and academy product Gallagher would count as pure profit under the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.