Marc Guehi is said to be the Blues' top target for the January window, with the centre-back lining up for Palace against his former club on Saturday. Taking to Twitter, Romano wrote: "Chelsea are seriously considering to bring in one more centre-back this month.

January will test Chelsea’s progress. Maresca doesn’t need any new signings at this moment in time. There might come a point at which the Italian wants certain areas of his squad strengthened or remoulded, but right now Chelsea must get players off its books rather than add new ones. Chelsea must resist the temptation to spend more.

Chelsea have a reputation for spending big, but would this shrewd transfer window move revive their flagging Premier League title chances?