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Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi is set to have his loan cut short with Valencia, the Spanish club have confirmed, as his representatives negotiate a January move for the Belgian international.
Batshuayi has failed to impress in La Liga after being signed to much fanfare in August. Despite needing reinforcements up front, Maurizio Sarri is not keen to incorporate the 25-year-old forward and he will be shipped out as Chelsea work on a deal to bring in Gonzalo Higuain or Callum Wilson this month.
Valencia director Mateu Alemany confirmed the club are keen to cut ties with Batshuayi as soon as possible after he missed a sitter when afforded a rare start in the Copa del Rey this week, with manager Marcelino taking aim at the out-of-sorts striker in his post-match comments.
"We're working on Batshuayi's transfer," Alemany said.
"The players has known this for weeks. There are a few teams interested, we hope to complete the deal as soon as possible".
Batshuayi in action against Manchester United this season (Reuters)
"I think we have to get in some strikers. I've clearly run out of patience with certain individuals," said Marcelino after Batshuayi struggled in a defeat to second-tier Sporting.
"We could have gone in front in the first minute. It was the best opportunity I have seen us create for six months.
"If you can't even get a shot in on target you are not fit to play in the Primera Liga for Valencia.
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Batshuayi was hauled off at half-time and his manager questioned the Belgian's desire and effort levels.
"I don't make substitutions to send signals to anyone — I make them based on the performances I see.
"On the effort and the commitment, on everything that I see. I set out to be fair, and I make changes starting from that point."
Chelsea paid Marseille £33million for Batshuayi in 2016 but he failed to ever convincingly break into the first-team picture at Stamford Bridge and spent the second half of last season on loan at Dortmund before Valencia paid the Blues £3m to loan the Belgium striker for the current campaign.
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