Grading the Likelihood of Chelsea's Biggest Transfer Rumours

After 10 years of ownership by Roman Abramovich, Chelsea are naturally the first name out of the transfer rumours hat. Their presumed involvement in any big-money transaction has given rise to some wild speculation, and the summer 2013 window promises to be no different.

Even though they are currently in between managers, the Blues are linked with a host of top players across Europe. Here are the most frequently mentioned names, with the likelihood of their appearance in Chelsea's 2013-14 squad rated out of 10.

Radamel Falcao: 3/10

Did you hear that Chelsea want to sign Falcao? You did? That's probably because it has been the longest-running rumour of the lot.

Falcao's first-half hattrick in the UEFA Super Cup Final hammered home his reputation as Europe's most ruthless striker. His goals have kept financially troubled Atletico Madrid afloat, but it seems they have now decided to cash in on the Columbian's formidable form.

Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City had joined Chelsea in the search for his signature, but a new club recently entered the race as front-runners.

Monaco recently won promotion to the top tier of French football and have the financial backing of a super-rich Russian. They have already spent €70 million on Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez from Porto, and all the signs point to Falcao joining them in the tiny principality.

Whilst this move would mean Falcao spending another season out of the Champions League, the prospect of a raise in salary and the chance to help a newly promoted side challenge for the French championship looks to be enough to entice Europe's most coveted player.

Hulk: 7/10

Abramovich has chased Brazilian forward Hulk through several transfer windows, losing the race to Zenit St Petersburg in summer 2012. Many were surprised that the striker plumped for a move to Russia rather than the then European Champions, and his high wages have since created a rift within the Zenit squad.

His apparent regret over his decision, coupled with Jose Mourinho's desire to work with him at Stamford Bridge, makes a move to London marginally more likely than not. The length of his contract and the hefty buy-out clause are the major stumbling blocks to any deal, but Roman Abramovich's resources could yet make it happen.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 1/10

The best rumour of them all has Cristiano Ronaldo joining Jose Mourinho at Chelsea this summer. Any deal for the second-best player in the world would not come cheap after his £80 million move to Real Madrid in 2009, and while Abramovich certainly has pockets deep enough to meet that price, it would be a ridiculous move.

The Blues' midfield is already overcrowded, and the dressing room filled with massive egos. Throwing a superstar diva like Ronaldo into the mix would cause more trouble that it's worth, especially when you factor in his enduring love for Manchester United.

Marouane Fellaini: 4/10

Chelsea are looking to bolster the defensive end of their midfield, and they looked to have found the perfect player in Marouane Fellaini. The Belgian issued a "come and get me" plea to Chelsea after a much anticipated January deal failed to materialise.

However, David Moyes' move across the Pennines has cast huge doubts over Fellaini's final destination. The opportunity to continue working with his current manager at Manchester United presents a tantalising prospect, and if the Red Devils back up their interest with an offer it is likely to be accepted.

Wayne Rooney: 2/10

Sir Alex Ferguson's final days as Manchester United manager were surrounded by uncertainty over the future of one of his biggest buys. Wayne Rooney reportedly requested a transfer (The Sun) away from the Premier League champions, leading to interest from most of Europe's top clubs. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is apparently prepared to offer United £30 million for the England striker, although with "crisis talks" taking place, there is every chance that Rooney will remain in Manchester for the 2013-14 season.

Edinson Cavani: 8/10

Cavani has made no secret of the fact that he wants to leave Napoli, and even the arrival of Rafa Benitez won't be enough to placate the Uruguayan.

Reports suggest that England and the Premier League is his preferred destination, with Manchester City and Chelsea the teams with deep enough pockets to meet his release clause.

If Jose Mourinho makes his anticipated return to Stamford Bridge, the Europa League winners will surely edge the race with their super-rich rivals.