Championship club Derby County have accepted defeat in their pursuit of a loan deal for Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu, according to a report on the Evening Standard.
Derby manager Frank Lampard was hopeful of taking Ampadu to the Championship side for the remainder of the season but the Welshman will not be moving this month.
The versatile Ampadu could still have a key role to play for Chelsea in the upcoming months.
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri knows that he can give playing time to Ampadu in the domestic cup competitions after the youngster put in an impressive performance in the FA Cup third round victory over Nottingham Forest.
When speaking about Ampadu, Lampard said:
He can play in a few positions, that’s why he would be so valuable to anybody and why he’s staying at Chelsea.
The 18-year-old can play as a defensive midfielder or a centre-back and is tipped to have a very bright future at the club.
