Kendry Paez has flown to the United States to train with Chelsea despite not being named in their Club World Cup squad, in a bid to impress Enzo Maresca.
The expectation remains that Paez, the 18-year-old Ecuadorian described as a wonderkid, will leave on loan this summer.
He was signed on a pre-agreement at the age of 16 for £17million, and Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg is his likeliest destination.
While it is understood Paez’s preference would be to be around Chelsea’s first team over the next season, the club are considering what is best for his progress.