Chelsea leave Kendry Páez in limbo as River Plate exile continues

Chelsea are working to resolve Kendry Páez's future after the Ecuadorian youngster was left training away from River Plate's first-team squad while the Blues search for a new loan destination.

The 19-year-old's spell in Argentina is effectively over despite his loan technically remaining active, leaving one of Chelsea's brightest prospects in an uncertain position ahead of the new season.

According to reports from TyC Sports and El Diario, Páez has returned to River Plate's training base following his extended break after the World Cup.

However, the midfielder has not rejoined Eduardo Coudet's first-team squad.

Instead, he has been placed in a separate training group alongside players expected to leave the club before the transfer window closes, signalling that River no longer see him as part of their plans.

Chelsea and River Plate are continuing discussions over ending Páez's loan agreement early.

The Premier League club are understood to be delaying the formal termination until they have secured another destination for the Ecuador international.

That decision has left Páez in limbo.

Although he remains a Chelsea player, he currently has no role at River and no confirmed club for the remainder of the season.

Chelsea are believed to be taking a cautious approach following two difficult loan spells.

Temporary moves to Strasbourg and River Plate failed to provide the regular first-team football and development opportunities the club had hoped for.

Rather than rushing into another agreement, Chelsea are determined to identify a loan that offers greater stability and consistent playing time.

Several clubs have already been linked with the teenager, including Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro, Belgian outfit KV Mechelen and newly-promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town.

River Plate are equally keen for the situation to be resolved.

Páez currently occupies one of the club's foreign-player registration places, making his departure an important part of their squad planning before the transfer window closes.

Until Chelsea approve his next move, however, the youngster is expected to remain in Argentina training separately from the senior squad.

For a player once regarded as one of South America's brightest talents, the current situation is far from ideal as Chelsea continue searching for the next step in his development.

Chelsea are expected to finalise a new loan destination for Kendry Páez before formally ending his spell at River Plate. Until an agreement is reached, the Ecuadorian will continue training away from River's first-team squad while waiting for his future to be decided.