The transfer window is open once again and with the fixture list for the EFL set to be released, it's a sure sign that a new season isn't too far away.
Because of the World Cup taking place in winter, it means a slightly earlier start for sides in the Championship. With that in mind, many clubs have already started to revamp their squads.
As ever, the loan market is set to be a key area where second-tier sides can strengthen without forking out hefty transfer fees. Last season saw Premier League giants Chelsea send out a clutch of youngsters on loan - and it could be the same again in 2022-23.
Here, Mirror Football picks out five Blues players who could find themselves in the Championship at the start of next term.
Ethan Ampadu
The defender has spent the past three seasons out on loan, in the Bundesliga, Premier League and, most recently, Serie A. The coming season is a huge one for Ampadu. Not only is he now in the final year of his contract but he also has a World Cup with Wales to look forward to.
He was a regular in Robert Page's side as they earned their historic spot in Qatar and he is surely going to need to go out on loan once again if he is to stand a chance of being in the Wales starting XI for their opener against the United States on November 21.
A half-season loan to the Championship with games coming thick and fast may be the ideal solution and would provide him with ample opportunities for game time in the build-up to the World Cup.
Levi Colwill
Colwill enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2021-22 with Huddersfield.
He made 32 appearances and despite some superb performances at the heart of defence, there was a bitter end to his time in West Yorkshire. He was unfortunate to be credited with an own goal in the Championship play-off final defeat by Nottingham Forest. It was a sorry way to end what had largely been a fantastic spell with the Terriers.
Still only 19, many have tipped Colwill to have a big impact at Stamford Bridge, but you sense another season on loan in the second tier would only enhance his prospects rather than harm them.
If that is the case, plenty will be queuing up for his signature.
Billy Gilmour
The Scotland international was touted as a hot prospect a couple of years back but a loan spell at Norwich last season proved a disaster. He was part of a Canaries side that were relegated and Gilmour clearly struggled to shine in a struggling team.
Possessing undoubted quality on the ball, he perhaps needs another loan stint to get his mojo back and there is no reason why a high-end Championship club could not provide that platform with a promotion push likely to do wonders for his confidence.
He recently signed a contract extension at Stamford Bridge until 2024, so is clearly in the long-term picture at Chelsea.
Which club should Billy Gilmour join? Have your say in the comments!
Dujon Sterling
Full-back Sterling made 25 outings on loan at Championship side Blackpool last season. It represented a third spell out on loan for the 22-year-old.
He signed a contract extension with his parent club prior to moving to the Seasiders and it was reported recently that Chelsea are planning on him being part of their first team for the upcoming pre-season.
Whilst that may be the case, plenty of second-tier sides have been linked with a move for him this summer. Capable of playing as wing-back on either flank, his versatility would appeal to plenty of Championship sides.
Harvey Vale
Attacker Vale is tipped for big things at Chelsea, highlighted by him winning the Academy Player of the Season gong following a fine campaign in 2021-22.
He follows in the footsteps of the likes of Mason Mount and Reece James in winning the prestigious award and such was his progress that he made his senior debut for Thomas Tuchel's side last season, featuring five times in total.
Still just 18, Vale could get the perfect chance to shine in the Championship next season.
