As the David Luiz deal continued to get more expensive, Chelsea apparently set their sights on a bigger fish for their millions. One side effect of this appears to be that Daniel Sturridge will spend the remainder of the season at Bolton, while Jeffrey Bruma will not be heading to West Bromwich Albion. According to Sky Sports, Bruma's agent has been quoted with the following:
"Things might change but as long as Chelsea don't sign another defender then I think the chances of Jeffrey going on loan are slim. If Chelsea do sign someone then a loan is a definite option. Is West Brom an option? Of course."
I was personally hoping to see Bruma get some time out on loan, as the youngster has looked unsettled with his occasional play. While I have concerns that Bruma is just too small to be a first choice center back in the Premier League, he's remarkably technically gifted for such a young defender. I'd have preferred to see us recall the more experienced Michael Mancienne from Wolverhampton as center back cover, allowing the more promising youngster the opportunity to go elsewhere and play regularly. Here's hoping Benfica come crawling back to us later this afternoon, still leaving enough time to finalize the loan for Jeffrey Bruma.