Newcastle have reportedly been sending scouts to monitor Conor Gallagher, indicating that they could be preparing for a summer swoop.
The Magpies were keen on the midfielder last summer when they thought he could be part of a summer clear-out.
And Gallagher's position at Stamford Bridge has only become more unstable, with the club considering selling him to raise funds and comply with Premier League financial rules.
Chelsea's operating loss last year was a staggering £249million, so outgoings are expected this summer, and academy product Gallagher would count as pure profit under the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
It turns out Newcastle have been sending scouts to keep an eye on Gallagher, according to the Chronicle.
An emissary was sent by the club for Chelsea's 4-3 win over Manchester United earlier this month.
Gallagher's contract is up in 2025 and his performances have been attracting attention, with West Ham and Tottenham also interested.
Spurs bid £40m for him last summer but that fell £5m short of what Chelsea were holding out for.
Bringing in a new midfielder has looked like a logical next step for Newcastle, but their need doesn't appear as urgent as it once did after developments in the last fortnight.
Joelinton committed his future to the club by signing a long-term deal earlier this month, ending speculation that he could leave. He would have had just 12 months remaining on his deal in the summer.
And Toon fans are optimistic that Bruno Guimaraes will also stay put after the Telegraph revealed that he bought a new £4m house in Northumberland.
He reportedly hopes to move into the luxury house at Darras Hall shortly with his wife and two chldren.
Joelinton and Bruno had been thought to be among the big-name players on the chopping block in Newcastle's own struggle to stay on the right side of financial regulations.
Whether or not their seeming commitments to Toon will cause the club to rethink any pursuit of Gallagher remains to be seen.
Eddie Howe has had to deal with one of the worst injury crises in the Premier League this year and would surely welcome extra bodies through the door.