MK Dons manager Karl Robinson has admitted that he will probably fail in his attempts to extend the loan of Chelsea forward Patrick Bamford.
The 20-year-old has scored 14 goals in 22 League 1 games this season but is scheduled to return to his parent club on January 5.
Robinson has revealed that he is in talks with the Blues about lengthening Bamford's stay, but has confessed that their apparent wish to send him to a Championship team for the second half of the campaign means that it is unlikely.
He told reporters: "I'm speaking to Chelsea but I'll be surprised if he is still with us in January.
"I'm desperate to keep him. He's a special talent, scored a number of goals, and he is someone who will go from strength to strength."
Derby County and Wigan Athletic are believed to be among Bamford's potential suitors.