With Chelsea only playing one striker in their formation, Diego Costa, Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy now form a formidable barrier between Bamford and the first team.
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Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford is reportedly close to joining Crystal Palace on loan for the 2015/16 campaign, according to a report in the Guardian.
Aitor Karanka would undoubtedly have loved to have the 21-year-old at his disposal again next season, but stressed that he expected the striker to join a Premier League club.
The 21-year-old, who was voted Championship Player of the Year while at Middlesbrough last season, scored 17 league goals while at the Riverside Stadium and is closing in on another temporary move away from Stamford Bridge.
The English youngster excelled in the Championship with Middlesbrough last season, scoring 19 times in 44 appearances as the north east club made the play-off final.
The move is likely to result in Bamford being offered a new long-term contract at Chelsea, with Mourinho keen to extend his current deal which expires next summer.
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He had been previously been linked with Newcastle United and Aston Villa, but SkyBet now make Palace clear 1/8 favourites after a series of bets on the England Under-21 international’s future.
