Chelsea are reportedly exploring loan options for goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina after he trained with the club for the first time last week.
The Blues struck a deal to sign the 18-year-old back in August but allowed him to stay on loan at Chicago Fire until the end of the MLS season, meaning that he has only recently joined up with his new teammates.
The Evening Standard reports that Chelsea believe a loan move would be the most beneficial outcome for Slonina's development at this stage.
Options in the Championship and Europe are understood to be being explored, while his former club Chicago Fire could also provide a convenient loan destination for Slonina.
The Blues are thought to be in no rush to secure a loan move for the £12m signing, though, with the World Cup starting in a few weeks and Slonina in contention to make the USA squad.
The new recruit attended the Premier League fixtures against Brentford and Manchester United recently, and finds both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy above him in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
