Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho Eyed by Chelsea in Surprise Double West Ham Raid

In a bid to boost his attacking options, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly hoping to lure West Ham United pair Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho away from Upton Park this week.

With the winter transfer deadline fast approaching, The Sun (h/t the Telegraph) reports that Loic Remy has been deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, leading to interest in the Hammers duo.

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The speculation is partly intensified by Andre Schurrle's "imminent" exit from the west London club, with German magazine Kicker (h/t ESPN FC) stating a move to Wolfsburg for up to €30 million is close to completion.

Another factor in the move is whether or not the Blues can capture Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado, whose chances of completing a Chelsea move have been examined by former Liverpool forward Stan Collymore:

The Guardian has also reported on Chelsea's gazing at Valencia and Sakho, but West Ham chief Sam Allardyce is quoted by Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star as saying there's yet to be any contact:

"By email, text or phone? If they've sounded us out, which way? The only way they have been sounded out is through the media not through club-to-club."

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Both players arrived in the Premier League last summer and have been essential to the Hammers' rise through England's ranks, at one point helping the club into the top-four race.

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker praised Ecuadorian Valencia for his display against Everton earlier this month, dubbing him one of the best acquisitions this term:

Valencia's record of four goals in 23 appearances this season isn't exactly prolific, however, and one would argue that Remy sits as a more reliable option off the bench.

Sakho, on the other hand, has been a far more clinical creature in front of goal, as Squawka attests:

Any move for the east London figures would depend largely on who were to leave Stamford Bridge first, as the club is more aware of over-spending thanks to the sanctions set in place by Financial Fair Play.

However, as David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio points out, the economic benefits to bringing in a player so cost-effective could be substantial:

Allardyce is currently looking to bring West Ham back into European contention this season and will assuredly try his best to hang on to two assets who have taken brilliantly to the pace of English football.

The Sun quotes Hammers veteran Mark Noble as saying he believes Sakho in particular can lead the club to triumph in the FA Cup:

Sakho came to Upton Park as a striker option, but has proven his use out wide since moving to Stamford Bridge, an area in which Chelsea already have sufficient, if not too much competition.

If either were to complete a move across London, they would do so in the knowledge that their playing minutes would be at serious risk, but as aforementioned, any acquisition would most likely require Chelsea to free up squad space first.