Alan Pardew has admitted that Patrick Bamford could return to Chelsea if he does not start to see more playing time at Crystal Palace.

The striker joined the Eagles on a season-long loan following a stint with Middlesbrough in the Championship last season, but he has made just four appearances for Palace so far, leading to reports that the Premier League champions will recall him.

The manager told reporters: "It is an obvious story, he is not playing at the moment, someone has spun it. That is unfortunate for Patrick because he is working hard, but it is an obvious situation. If he doesn't play any real time between now and January, we will have to look at it for sure.

"He has had a a lot of competition and he is trying to understand the way we play, but if he gets the chance I'm sure he wants to take it. Is it up to him to prove himself? That is difficult so say about that, but he is fighting for his right to get into the team.

"We have spoken to Chelsea, they keep in contact with us and really do analyse what is going on with their players."

Palace host West Ham United in the Premier League this weekend.