Everton's need for left-back cover for Leighton Baines has led to further enquiries for Ghana defender Baba Rahman.
According to the reports in the UK media, the Toffees may find themselves in a tug-of-war with Schalke over Rahman.
The 23-year-old is open to a return to the Bundesliga and Goal.com reports that he is set to join them on loan.
Baba, meanwhile, joined the Blues in 2015 but has endured a miserable spell at Stamford Bridge, making just 15 Premier League appearances.
The Ghana international suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage at the start of 2017, ruling him out for the remainder of the year.
But he is back in business now and Schalke, who took Baba on loan in 2016-17, are in talks to secure him for the rest of the season.
Scalke's sporting director Christian Heide told Reviersports: "I expect a decision to be taken in a relatively short term.
"Many things are already exchanged between Chelsea and us.
"Now I'm waiting for an answer from Chelsea to my most recent email.
"It's not certain yet if the loan can be for 18 months