Thomas Tuchel outlines when conversation over Saul Niguez's Chelsea future will take place

Saul Niguez last started for Chelsea in early march and did so in consecutive Premier League games against Burnley and Norwich, albeit at wing-back - the position he hoped to avoid when departing Atletico Madrid in the summer. Saul has been limited to 20 appearances in Blues, predominantly as a rotation option or from the bench, and probably not made the impact he hoped.

The Spaniard ensured an eventful transfer deadline day at Stamford Bridge in August, in what seemed in some respects a coup, and others, an unusual player to sign to be your fourth choice player behind Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante and Jorginho. His first start against Aston Villa in the Premier League did little to build on any anticipation surrounding his debut, and the 27-year-old has played dutifully but rarely since.

There has been little to suggest that Chelsea will look to take advantage of the clause in place to make the deal permanent, and with the current ownership situation and sanctions, it would currently be unable to do so anyhow.

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Thomas Tuchel refused to be drawn on where Saul's future lay beyond the end of the season and admitted the midfielder has likely been far from happy with the opportunities he has been afforded in west London. The German coach was quick to praise his impact on the training ground and atmosphere of the team despite his predicament.

Tuchel said: "We will talk about it at the end of the season. At the moment, it is a difficult situation for him personally, but I like that he still gives his input. It is like this in team sports that even if it does not make you happy – and I am sure he is not – he is still positive and still