Chelsea are stalling on a decision over loaning Tammy Abraham because of a potential striker crisis at Stamford Bridge.
The hierarchy at the London club has yet to give the green light to another temporary move away in case they are caught short themselves.
New boss Maurizio Sarri is not keen on Olivier Giroud – and Marseille are still waiting to hear if their £20m offer is acceptable.
Going into the final few days of the window there are also question marks over the future of Michy Batshuayi.
Belgian international Batshuayi is on the wanted list of Atletico Madrid – and Borussia Dortmund where he spent a successful few months last season.
Morata appears to be sticking it out with the Londoners – he changed shirt-numbers this week following the birth of twins – suggesting that he would stay put.
But if the club does agree late switches for Batshuayi or Giroud, it would leave Sarri shy of options when it comes to his frontline.
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce heads the queue of clubs interested in the forward whose career stalled at relegated Swansea City last season.
Abraham had been a success in the Championship while at Bristol City two seasons ago and hopes to jump back into the Premier League.
But Chelsea will not sanction a permanent deal because there is every likelihood that moves in the next few days could compromise them.
And, after August 9, the 20-year-old forward would only be allowed to move on a loan to the Championship which leaves Villa in pole position to land the striker.