Omari Kellyman of Chelsea (Image: Getty Images)
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Cardiff City have been handed a major boost in their hopes of bringing Omari Kellyman back to the club after Chelsea gave the green light for the youngster to leave on loan again.
The highly-rated attacking midfielder has been deemed available for another temporary move after travelling with Chelsea's first-team squad on their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia.
Kellyman was involved in the Blues' preparations under new head coach Xabi Alonso but was left out of the matchday squad for their last two friendlies at the weekend. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.****
He was not involved as Chelsea drew 3-3 with Johor Darul Ta'zim at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim Larkin on Sunday, having also been omitted from the squad for the 3-0 victory over AC Milan at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Saturday.
Chelsea sources have subsequently indicated that Kellyman is available for a loan move, with reports suggesting Alonso has made as many as 16 players available for temporary transfers following the club's pre-season schedule.
That development has now accelerated Cardiff's efforts to bring the 20-year-old back to south Wales.
WalesOnline understands the Bluebirds remain firmly in the mix for Kellyman's signature and have maintained their interest despite bringing Jack Moylan through the door, with the Irishman capable of playing in similar positions.
Cardiff are now expected to step up their attempts to re-sign the player ahead of the new Championship campaign, with the club having been keen on a reunion for some time.
Kellyman was one of the standout performers during Cardiff's League One promotion campaign last season, making a significant impression during his loan spell at the club.
His versatility is one of the qualities that makes him so attractive to Cardiff, with the Chelsea youngster capable of operating as an attacking midfielder, winger or further forward.
Cardiff have been looking for additional attacking options this summer and WalesOnline understands a deal for a player capable of playing as a striker or on the wing was close to being completed last week.
Kellyman's availability now provides another potential solution.
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The youngster joined Cardiff on loan last season and quickly became a popular figure among supporters, while his performances helped underline why Chelsea invested heavily in his development.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are keen for Kellyman to continue playing regular senior football and a move to the Championship would provide the kind of competitive environment considered ideal for his development.
The fact he travelled with Alonso's squad for the club's tour shows the regard in which he is held at Stamford Bridge, but his omission from the final two friendly squads appears to have opened the door to another loan.
And Cardiff are ready to walk through it.
The Bluebirds' pursuit of Kellyman is not impacted by the signing of Moylan, either.
The two players offer different profiles and can operate in different areas of the pitch, meaning Moylan's arrival has not ended Cardiff's desire to bring Kellyman back to the Welsh capital.
With the Championship campaign now rapidly approaching - it is just one week away - Cardiff's recruitment drive is beginning to gather pace, with Brian Barry-Murphy stating with some urgency on Saturday that Cardiff 'need new players'.
Moylan has already arrived, and made a stunning first impression by scoring a well-taken winner against Swindon Town at the weekend, while further additions are understood to be edging closer.
The prospect of Kellyman returning to Cardiff would represent another significant boost to Barry-Murphy's squad as the Bluebirds prepare for their return to the Championship following immediate promotion from League One.
And with Chelsea now making the youngster available for loan, Cardiff's long-standing interest has been given fresh momentum, with the coming days thought to be crucial.