Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas could be set for a January loan move across London to West Ham United as a potential replacement for Dimitri Payet. 

Fabregas has found himself out of favour during the early part of manager Antonio Conte's reign, featuring just once in a Premier League starting lineup this season.

Such is the Blues' desire to get the Spain international off their books ahead of his deal ending in 2019, they are even prepared to subsidise his £160,000 per week salary, Darren Lewis of the Mirror reports.

West Ham have entered the race to sign Fabregas as there are concerns over the future of midfield linchpin Payet, who has attracted interest across Europe, per the report.

Although, as outlined by Transfermarkt.co.uk, Fabregas has suffered from thigh problems at times this season, he has struggled when handed rare opportunities to impress Chelsea's Italian coach.

The dynamics of Chelsea's midfield are changing under Conte, and a switch in tactics to a 3-4-3 with wing-backs has not helped Fabregas' bid to break into the first team. The former Arsenal star hasn't been picked since he was subbed in the 55th minute when his side were 3-0 down away to his old team in September.

Since that defeat and tactical change, the preferred central-midfield pairing of Nemanja Matic and N'Golo Kante has given Chelsea a better shape and solid spine to the side, one Conte would be reluctant to tweak as his team have risen to second in the Premier League standings.

Fabregas is settled at Chelsea and keen to stay, according to Simon Jones of the Mail on Sunday, who reported the player "has stepped up his return to fitness and hopes to impress Conte as the fixtures mount up closer to the Christmas period."

Per the report, Conte said of Fabregas: "Now we are at the start of November, and it is important to be in the present. For this type of situation it is too early to talk. Fabregas is Chelsea's player, and I'm very happy to have him in my squad."

The attempt to move Fabregas on comes as Conte looks to revitalise his squad, particularly in midfield, and cement the club's impressive start to the season.

As per Lewis' report, Conte is targeting Steven N'Zonzi of Sevilla and Inter Milan's Geoffrey Kondogbia in a push for more strength in depth.

There appears to be no real way back for Fabregas at Stamford Bridge, and a move, even a short-term one, to the Hammers would allow him to stay in London with his family while getting important game time.

Interestingly, it is a move that benefited one of his rivals for a place in the Chelsea lineup now—Victor Moses.

Moses spent a season at West Ham and was able to show the Chelsea hierarchy his ability week in, week out before he was finally given his chance under Conte.

Fabregas can take confidence from that and will hope a similar move across the capital can reignite his form and put him back in favour to show he can play a part in Conte's vision.