Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford has admitted that he isn't happy with his current situation on loan at Crystal Palace and he may cut short his loan deal, meaning a move back to the Championship could be on the cards.
The 22-year old was hot property in the summer after scoring 19 goals in the Championship for Middlesbrough, with a number of clubs in the top flight and the second tier chasing his signature.
He opted for Alan Pardew's Palace side however the move has not worked out for the England under-21 international as he has played just five games in all competitions for the Eagles.
With Bamford admitting that he is unhappy with his playing situation at the moment, a move back to the Championship seems like distinct possibility with a number of clubs monitoring his situation.
It may not be easy convincing Bamford to drop back down to the Championship for a third loan spell, but he could undoubtedly score the goals to get a team promoted.
Here are FIVE Championship clubs that could sign Patrick Bamford in January.....
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 5 CHAMPIONSHIP CLUBS!
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Middlesbrough
When speculation began to circulate about Bamford's future earlier this season, a return to the Riverside was instantly talked about, fuelled by manager Aitor Karanka saying that the door is always open for the Chelsea striker.
He just missed on promotion with the Teessiders last season and admitted when he left that the club will always hold a special place in his heart and a return to the North East could well be an option should he decide that he doesn't want to stay with Palace.
He would have to battle with David Nugent, Cristhian Stuani and Kike for a starting spot but his relationship with the fans, the manager and the players could tempt him back to Boro.
Brighton
Brighton are still undefeated in the Championship, despite many predicting that they would lose momentum, but they could certainly use the fire power that Bamford brings.
While they are currently in the top two, the only seem to have one out-and-out striker that is capable of performing at this level in the shape of Tomer Hemed so adding someone with a proven record in the division could make the difference for the Seagulls.
Having Bamford in his ranks may be the difference for Chris Hughton's side as they look to be promoted to the top flight, so a move to the South Coast may well happen.
Reading
While Reading have an abundance of quality in the final third with the likes of Nick Blackman, Orlando Sa and Matej Vydra, Steve Clarke may well use his Chelsea contacts to bring Bamford in as an additional outlet.
Blackman has 11 goals so far this season, Sa has 5 (although 3 of them came in one match) and Vydra is yet to find the back of the net for The Royals so Clarke may bring in Bamford as another forward who can fire his side to promotion.
Loan spells with Boro and Derby show that he guarantees goals at this level and a move to Reading would just make their attacking players even better.
QPR
Whatever manager takes over at Loftus Road will have to prepare for Charlie Austin's potential departure and with fans and owners still hoping for a return to the Premier League, Bamford could score the goals to replace him.
A move to Chelsea's neighbours would present Bamford the opportunity to get regular football again as their is no out-and-out striker in the R's squad if Austin is injured or if he does indeed depart.
Whoever takes over at QPR should seriously consider a move for Bamford should he be looking to drop back down to the Championship.
Hull City
Another promotion rival that could make a move for Bamford as an attempt to secure a quick return to the Premier League.
Another natural goal scorer in their ranks would certainly help their push.
Abel Hernandez has started the season in terrific form and is the club's top scorer with eight goals but the next striker in the leader board is Chuba Akpom with three.
Bamford would present Steve Bruce with a different attacking outlet to Hernandez and should the Uruguayan miss a game for whatever reason, the Chelsea striker currently seems a more reliable goal source than The Tigers other strikers.