Chelsea FC: 5 Players That Need to Leave in January

It has already been a season for Chelsea and Andre Villas-Boas to forget.

Eleven points adrift in the title race and only one win in their last five has left many fans frustrated at another title push that is over by the New Year.

They now face a real fight to maintain Champions League football at Stamford Bridge next season.

Thierry Henry's second coming can only rejuvenate Arsenal, whereas Steven Gerrard's return will almost certainly galvanise a stuttering Liverpool.

Gary Cahill looks to be coming in, but is the signing going to make Chelsea a whole lot better?

Nicolas Anelka has already left and there are plenty more in the squad who should be shown the door in January if they are to free up some money and start signing some real quality.

Here are the five main contenders...

Hilario

His name sounds like hilarious and that is not a good sign for a goalkeeper.

Bought as a potential first team regular in 2006, the Portuguese international has still not made an impact nearly five years later.

He made more appearances in his first season than the next four combined and has continued to make mistakes and look nervy on the ball when called into first team action.

Indeed he may be considered the No. 3 with Ross Turnbull sitting on the bench for plenty of Premier League games this season.

At 36, his best days are probably over and I don't think too many Chelsea fans would be disappointed to see the back of him.

Potential funds: 1 million

Paulo Ferreira

How is this guy still a Chelsea footballer?

Unimpressive at full-back and not good enough at centre-back, it is amazing to think he signed an improved five-year deal back in 2008.

Never established in one position, Ferreira has been used as a utility player in recent seasons, "utility" meaning not good enough to command a regular spot.

Many strikers have targeted Ferreira as the weak link in previous seasons and Villas-Boas has limited the Portuguese international to one start and two sub appearances this season. That's coincided with two draws and a 3-1 loss to Aston Villa at home.

At 32, he probably has one more move in him and hopefully for Chelsea, that comes in the next three weeks!

Potential funds: 2.5 million

Florent Malouda

Don't let the haircut fool you! This man has lost his desire and sharpness at Chelsea.

An absolute lock for fantasy owners in previous seasons, Malouda was a supporter's dream playing as a third striker alongside Drogba and Anelka. It was goals and assists galore for the Frenchman.

But since the arrival of Boas, Malouda has had an alarming dip in form. Whether that's the manager or the player's fault is up for debate but one thing is for certain, the winger looks like his time at Stamford Bridge is coming to an end.

Having only completed 90 minutes once this season and rumoured interest from Juventus could force Chelsea's hand sooner rather than later.

Potential funds: 6 million

Gael Kakuta

Kakuta was once seen as one of the most exciting prospects in the Premier League; entertaining cameo's for Chelsea resulted in Bolton securing a season-long loan at the start of the campaign.

Both clubs would have hoped the youngster would make the same impact Daniel Sturridge did the previous year—how wrong they were.

The 20-year-old has managed a total of 72 minutes of Premier League football this season.

Bolton have lost all three of the games the forward has featured and many now believe that Kakuta might not be the man to replace the likes of Drogba and Anelka.

Potential funds: 2.5 million 

Fernando Torres

Oh dear, Fernando! Your time may well be up at Stamford Bridge.

I want it to go on record that I am a Torres fan! I have waited and waited and waited for this man to start showing the obvious talent he showed on such a consistent basis for Liverpool.

I have made excuses for each underwhelming performance and missed opportunity, but there comes a  point when you have to realise it's not meant to be.

It has probably been the worst 12 months of his career since the highly publicised 50 million pound move from Anfield.

The stats are pretty shocking, 40 appearances, five goals and one red card. Two Premier League goals this season from 15 games and couldn't even find the net in the 4-0 FA Cup demolition of Portsmouth last weekend.

With his obvious ability and reputation, he will not be short of clubs who will be confident of rejuvenating the Spaniard while giving Boas plenty in the transfer kitty.

I'm sorry, Fernando, your time is up.

Potential funds: 25-30 million

Total potential funds: 42 million