Chelsea Transfer Rumours: 8 Players Linked to the Blues for January

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Chelsea, with 13 points from five games, sit pretty at the top of the Premier League, but it could be said that the Blues' start to the season is something of a mirage.

Roberto Di Matteo's side has enjoyed a kind run of fixtures, with only one of their opponents finishing in the top half of last season.

Roman Abramovich provided ample funds for players this summer, rejuvenating the squad through the additions of Eden Hazard, Marko Marin, Oscar, Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses and providing Di Matteo a formidable squad to work with.

January is fast approaching and it might be the case that Chelsea find themselves in a situation where the title is a realistic possibility.

If that is the case, then we can expect Chelsea to further bolster their squad in pursuit of more silverware with these eight players.

Sergio Ramos

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Sergio Ramos recently fell out with Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese tactician dropped the Spanish international for the Champions League tie with Manchester City.

Ramos, who is a huge star with Los Merengues, did not take kindly to this decision, and if his relationship with the Special One cannot be mended quickly, then the former Sevilla defender might be sold as soon as January.

Chelsea, who recently signed right-back Cesar Azpilicueta from Marseille, are reported to be interested in Ramos, according to the Daily Mail.

The World Cup winner is equally adept at playing in the middle of the defence and would provide the Blues with a plethora of defensive options moving forward.

Romelu Lukaku

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This may be a surprise to most, but Steve Clarke revealed some fascinating news this week about his star loanee Romelu Lukaku.

Goal.com reported that the Belgium international could return to his parent club as soon as January, with the former Blues assistant stating, "If he scores 20 goals by Christmas and Chelsea want him back, there's not a lot I can do."

With Fernando Torres struggling still, Lukaku might get his opportunity with the first team at Chelsea sooner than he thought.

Bryan Cristante

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AC Milan have endured a torrid start to the season and are in the midst of a financial crisis due to the club's holding company being fined £500 million last year.

The Rossoneri sold Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the summer, which proves that no player is unsellable at the San Siro right now.

According to Metro, Chelsea are interested in Italy Under-17 international Bryan Cristante, a talented playmaker who earned his debut with the Diavoli in last season's Champions League.

Cristante would fit into the Blues' new policy of signing technically excellent, creative players.

Gerard Deulofeu

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Chelsea have been keeping a close eye on one of the latest stars to emerge from Barcelona's esteemed academy, La Masia.

The Blues would be willing to part with as much as £8 million for Gerard Deulofeu, who thrives in a wide-left role, similar to Ronaldinho in his prime.

The 18-year-old would be an incredible coup for Chelsea and is described by Goal.com's Ben Howard as "the next big thing" in a recent profile.

Nelson Oliveira

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Nelson Oliveira is already shining in his loan spell with Deportivo La Coruna, having already scored twice in his four appearances for the Turcos.

The Portuguese international shot to fame with a series of cameos for Benfica last season and was part of Portugal's squad for Euro 2012.

The Daily Mail reported that Chelsea are interested, and given that the 20-year-old has a £24 million buyout clause, the Blues might be prepared to activate it soon, especially if his impressive form in La Liga continues.

Radamel Falcao Garcia

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Radamel Falcao Garcia is probably the best striker in the world on current form, with eight goals in five matches already this season.

The Atletico Madrid star destroyed Chelsea in the European Super Cup a few weeks ago, and the Blues will be tempted to sign the Colombian, especially considering that he is eligible to play for another team in the Champions League.

The Daily Mail reported that the former River Plate striker is keen on a move to the Premier League and that Chelsea remain a possible destination.

Fernando Llorente

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Fernando Llorente has less than a year left on his Athletic Bilbao contract and will be available for a knock-down fee in January.

Llorente produced the form of his career last season with Los Leones, scoring 29 goals in 53 appearances, and rumours were rife that the Spanish international would depart for a new adventure after spending his entire career with the Basque club.

Bilbao resisted the advances of some of Europe's biggest clubs and value the 27-year-old at £15 million. If a new contract cannot be agreed upon, then a sale in January appears likely, and the Metro reported that Chelsea are one of the clubs interested in his services in January.

Marouane Fellaini

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Marouane Fellaini has started the season on fire, inspiring Everton to third place in the league, scoring three goals and providing an assist in the opening five matches.

The Belgium international is in high demand, and Chelsea have been linked with the Toffees star for some time.

According to the Daily Mail, the Blues will bid £30 million for the 24-year-old in January, which would send shock waves through the Premier League and further bolster the European champions.