Chelsea Transfer News: Blockbuster Deals Eyed by Jose Mourinho in January

After storming ahead at the top of the Premier League in the early weeks of the season, Chelsea looked as though they were going to stroll towards domestic glory. But dropped points in their last two away games has suddenly cut their lead to three points and we could be set for an enthralling title race after all.

With that in mind, the January window could be crucial for Jose Mourinho and his team. And encouragingly for those of a blue persuasion who may still be reeling on the back of that 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United, their Portuguese manager has reportedly got some high-profile targets in mind for the midseason window.

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

Despite ruling out a move for the player earlier in the season, per FourFourTwo, Steve Bates of the Sunday People (h/t The Mirror) wrote that the Blues are currently in pole position to sign the Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus, who has a £20 million release clause in his contract.

Here’s why Chelsea, as well as a host of other European giants, are queueing up to take Reus off Dortmund’s hands:

Having added Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas to their ranks in the summer, Chelsea have looked superb in their forward forays this season. But such is his quality, there’s certainly a spot in this team that could accommodate the German international, and if he was to sign, Mourinho’s men would surely boast a formidable attacking aura about their play.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe is excited by the prospect of Reus donning Chelsea blue:

His diligent work-rate would not only make him a natural fit for a Mourinho system, but his blistering pace, eye for a pass and collected head in front of goal would add another desirable string to Chelsea’s current attacking arsenal.

Bundesliga expert Clark Whitney doesn't think a club like Real Madrid—rumoured to be interested in the German—would be a good move for Reus, a factor that could pave the way for a move to Stamford Bridge:

But with the likes of Los Blancos and Bayern Munich supposedly interested in the player, Mourinho could well have his work cut out to get a deal done in January. As such, perhaps the Blues will look at some other options in case a deal for the German international doesn’t materialise.

According to Portuguese daily O Jogo (h/t 101 Great Goals), Chelsea have sent scouts to watch Benfica sensation Anderson Talisca. The report claims that the Blues were one of a host of clubs to have sent scouts to the match, in which the 20-year-old Brazilian helped his team to a 3-0 win over Belenenses. 

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Mourinho has spoken about the youngster previously, admitting that had it not been for issues with his work permit, he would have probably been a Premier League player already, per TVI24 (h/t Sky Sports):

"

There were many English teams, great teams and important, that wanted him. Moreover, there were those who wanted to sign him, even though he could not play for now.

They wanted to sign him, put him in a minor league [on loan] and hope that eventually he came to be selected [for Brazil's national team], and would consequently then get the work permit.

"

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

In terms of both age and ability, Talisca is definitely one for the future. He’s impressed plenty with his performances in Liga Sagres so far this season, dazzling defences with his intricate dribbling, rangy somatotype and eye for goal. Here are some of his best moments from his early career with the Portuguese champions:

Despite this, his compatriot Hulk—who learned his trade in the Portuguese top flight with Porto—has suggested the Benfica man should stick around, per Liga Sagres expert Jan Hagen:

Indeed, there’s still something of a raw edge to the Brazilian's play, and that is surely a facet of his game that could potentially concern Mourinho. Talisca still has a lot to learn and as the likes of Ramires, David Luiz and Angel Di Maria will undoubtedly attest to, Benfica is a wonderful place to develop as a young player before setting off in search of pastures new.