Bamford looks set to return to Chelsea

Patrick Bamford looks set to cut short his loan spell at Crystal Palace and return to Chelsea.

The 22-year-old has made just six substitute appearances for Palace in the Premier League, and has not scored in the 300 minutes he has played in all competitions this season.

Bamford was named player of the year in the Championship last term after netting 19 times for Middlesbrough, but has struggled to break into Palace’s in-form side.

He did come on at half-time in Monday’s game with Swansea, missing a chance to win the game, but now appears ready to go back to Stamford Bridge.

Eagles boss Alan Pardew said: “I think it’s a conversation we’ll have to have with Chelsea for sure, but we haven’t had it yet.”