Chelsea FC: Grading the Likelihood of 20 Transfer Targets Linked to Blues

As the transfer window approaches, many names will be linked to Chelsea.

Some will be reasonable rumours. Others will be big names thrown out for no reason. Until these moves happen, it's our job trying to figure out what will happen and what won't happen.

Since the end of the last window, there have been dozens of names linked to Chelsea. I have taken 20 of them and ranked them from least likely (no chance) to most likely (get him a jersey!), which leaves us with a pretty cloudy middle of the pack.

We are still a little ways away from the window, which means a lot can change. Regardless, let's get to it.

20. Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid: 0%

Chelsea were rumoured to be ready to make a wild bid to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to England.

As incredible as this would be, there is no chance it happens.

19. Edinson Cavani, Napoli: 1%

After Chelsea pulled off the miracle win against Napoli, people speculated that the Blues would bring in Edinson Cavani.

With Manchester City and Juventus knocking on Napoli's door, I think Chelsea can pretty safely be ruled out of this one.

18. Falcao, Atletico Madrid: 5%

Chelsea have been after Falcao for nearly a year now, and he just doesn't seem to be any closer to coming to London.

If the Blues can offer Champions League football, that would be a great incentive to bring him in. However, if Chelsea can't offer that, they don't stand much of a chance.

Regardless, Falcao seems pretty content staying at Madrid.

17. Gonzalo Higuain, Real Madrid: 5%

Even though Gonzalo Higuain has lost his starting spot to Karim Benzema, the Real Madrid striker doesn't seem to be for sale.

In fact, Jose Mourinho (reportedly) emphatically told Chelsea that the Argentine was not for sale.

While you can't always trust what Mourinho says, it seems pretty unlikely that Higuain will be in London next year.

16. Lucas, Sao Paolo: 7%

Lucas is another Brazilian wonderkid, and big things are expected of him.

According to a report, Chelsea, Inter and Manchester United are all interested in the young midfielder. Unfortunately, his buyout clause is €80 million.

With that cost, Lucas isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

15. Stevan Jovetic, Fiorentina: 9%

After having a bid rejected in the transfer window, Chelsea still seem somewhat interested in Stevan Jovetic.

He's a great striker and he would be a great fit for the Blues (or any team, really). However, it seems unlikely that he will leave any time soon.

Nevertheless, Chelsea have upped their price, and that could continue to rise as the summer rolls around. Depending on how high it goes, Jovetic could be coming to Stamford Bridge.

14. Eden Hazard, Lille: 10%

When I heard Eden Hazard said he would be wearing blue next season, I jumped for joy.

When I heard Manchester City were giving him tours, I became upset.

When I heard there were wage issues, I became intrigued.

Then I realized it was City, and they will get whomever they want. There's a slight chance Hazard slips to Chelsea, but don't count on it.

13. Tim Krul, Newcastle United: 11%

Tim Krul has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the English Premier League. He's made great saves, organized a strong defense and been a rock for Newcastle United this year.

Most importantly, he's only 24 years old.

With Petr Cech nearly 30, Roman Abramovich wants to have a goalkeeper for the future. According to a report, Chelsea are set to make a £15 million move to bring Krul in.

With Cech's sudden resurgence of form, don't be surprised if this move falls through. You can never be too sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if Chelsea waited at least one more summer to make a goalkeeper move.

12. Angel Di Maria, Real Madrid: 13%

Chelsea are desperate for a winger, and Angel Di Maria is as good as they come.

His pace is blistering, and his services are usually spot on.

He is allegedly unhappy with his salary, and he might need to come to England to get that solved. Chelsea are looking into a transfer, and he would be a great fit.

With that said, the odds of bringing someone in from Real Madrid (or any other major club, for that matter) are slim, and Chelsea fans shouldn't get too excited. Yet.

11. Demba Ba, Newcastle United: 15%

Demba Ba is a great player, but Champions League football could have a big say in his future.

Regardless, Chelsea are looking at the striker to recharge their attack.

If Chelsea or Newcastle United qualify for the Champions League, expect to see Ba there.

If neither qualify, he will most likely be back at Newcastle in the fall.

10. Ezequiel Lavezzi, Napoli: 18%

Chelsea want Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Luckily for them, Lavezzi seems pretty set on leaving Napoli.

If that happens, the Blues could bring in the Argentinian winger without a problem.

9. Danny Simpson, Newcastle United, 18%

Danny Simpson is a big reason Newcastle United have been so successful this year.

However, he turned down a contract offer from them in February.

Consequently, Chelsea have been keeping tabs on the 25-year-old, hoping to bring him in for a relatively low price in the summer.

8. Luka Modric, Tottenham Hotspur: 18%

Chelsea have been chasing Luka Modric for a long time now.

Whether or not he will come to Stamford Bridge remains a mystery, but it's still a possibility.

According to a report, the Blues are "closer than ever" to completing a deal for the Croatian midfielder. Chelsea fans shouldn't hold their breath, but they should definitely pay attention.

7. Cheick Tiote, Newcastle United: 20%

Cheick Tiote may be on a long-term deal with Newcastle United, but he is one of Chelsea's targets this summer.

Even with John Obi Mikel finally playing well, Chelsea can't be satisfied with the current holding midfield position. For whatever reason, Oriol Romeu remains glued to the bench (although he played against Liverpool on Tuesday), and no one else is capable of handling the position.

As a result, Tiote is on Roman Abramovich's wish list, and he has a decent chance of landing on Chelsea's roster next season.

6. Mario Gotze, Borussia Dortmund: 20%

Mario Gotze is similar to Cheick Tiote because it doesn't make sense for either of them, on a personal level, to come to Chelsea.

However, with Roman Abramovich's pocket and passion, there's a slight chance either (or both) of them end up in Chelsea blue next year.

Gotze is a creative midfielder, and he is a major reason why Borussia Dortmund have won back-to-back Bundesliga titles. He can make things happen, which is exactly why Chelsea are gearing up to make a bid for him.

No one knows if Gotze will play for Chelsea, but the Blues will make an offer.

5. Milos Krasic, Juventus: 25%

Milos Krasic just hasn't been able to make an impact at Juventus.

Accordingly, he is set to leave the Italian side this summer.

Even though Chelsea don't have a concrete offer for the winger yet, there is a pretty good chance he ends up at Chelsea next year. He is at a bargain price for his skill, and it would behoove Chelsea to purchase him.

4. Hulk, Porto: 30%

Earlier this week, I stressed the importance of Chelsea signing Hulk. I stand by that claim, and I think he is the best option for Chelsea's wing.

Chelsea are in the running to sign him, and with their deep pockets, the Blues are among the front-runners. Hulk's agent did not mention the club by name, but that shouldn't loom too large for Chelsea.

It's not a guarantee, but there's a good chance Hulk ends up at Chelsea after this summer.

3. Joao Moutinho, Porto: 50%

Joao Moutinho is another target Chelsea have been chasing for nearly a year.

Originally thought of as an alternative to Luka Modric, Moutinho has slowly become one of Chelsea's favorites on the transfer market. After winning another trophy with Porto, he seems ready to head to bigger and better things.

He recently admitted that he couldn't rule out a move to England, and the Premier League is one of the best in the world.

Now that Moutinho's on board, it's up to Chelsea to bring the Portuguese playmaker in.

2. Willian, Shakhtar Donetsk: 75%

When a club says you can have a player if you're willing to pay, that isn't always a good thing.

However, with Roman Abramovich paying for players, that go-ahead is a great thing.

If Chelsea want Willian, they can have him. While he might not be at the top of the wish list, he's definitely close. As a result, I have a hard time believing he won't be in Chelsea blue next season.

1. Marouane Fellaini, Everton: 85%

Chelsea are considering making a bid for Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini.

Of all the names on this list, he simply makes the most sense.

He can do a lot of damage in the midfield. He is only 24 years old. And, most importantly, he has proven himself in the English Premier League.

Fellaini will be able to make an impact right away, and he will be able to challenge David Luiz for the best hair on the team.