Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia is reluctant to release Tiemoue Bakayoko to AS Monaco.
The two clubs are in talks about the midfielder returning to Monaco before the market shuts.
RMC says a loan deal is being discussed, though Granovskaia remains unconvinced.
The Chelsea managing director would prefer to sell, but if not, Granovskaia is unsure about Monaco being the right move for Bakayoko.
ASM are also in contact with Southampton for Mario Lemina.