Chelsea Transfer News: Star Names and High-Profile Rumours Linked to Blues

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes believes Chelsea have "got the potential" to complete a historic quadruple this season, an achievement his Potters side will try to throw off course when Jose Mourinho's side visit the Britannia Stadium on Monday night.

Mourinho may need to continue upgrading his side in the January transfer window to make such an objective realistic. Chelsea, like many of Europe's top clubs, are being linked with a host of names as the new year approaches.

Latest on the rumours radar is Barcelona's Sergio Busquets, a player who "is keeping his eye open for a new challenge" and "could be tempted by a switch to the Premier League," according to Anthony Chapman of the Express.

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The controlling midfielder would offer a world-class alternative to the more physical Nemanja Matic. Busquets is the type of player who gets his foot on the ball, looks up and distributes intelligently, a more measured approach than Matic's steamroller style. He also has vast experience of playing alongside Cesc Fabregas for Barca and Spain.

Chapman suggests Arsenal, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested, but it's perhaps only the non-Premier League sides Chelsea should worry about.

Mourinho's side can go three points clear of Manchester City on Monday and have suffered just one loss across all competitions so far this season. This efficiency is far more likely to attract Busquets than the ongoing battle for fourth at both the Emirates and Old Trafford.

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Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star hints a midfield merry-go-round could ensue if Mourinho does decide to strengthen his centre.

He links the club to Juventus' Paul Pogba, while also suggesting the Serie A side are looking to land Ramires in return. The energetic midfielder could certainly be used as a makeweight if a future deal is to be completed. Pogba's recent decision to ink a new five-year contract makes this a no-goer right now, however.

Chelsea are always on the lookout for impressive youngsters. John Cross of the Mirror believes Corinthians forward Malcolm is the latest to catch the side's attention, but it is "believed" Barcelona have first option on the 17-year-old. Chelsea's Brazilian contingency—Ramires, Oscar, Willian, Filipe Luis—could help lure the South American starlet to Stamford Bridge.

Malcolm's qualities are highlighted below:

Of course, Mourinho may need to cash-in if he's to lure anyone to the club. Mohamed Salah has failed to impress since arriving last January and could soon find himself pushed out.

Spartak Moscow manager Murat Yakin has confirmed he will "do whatever it takes to get Salah in the team, even if I have to beg for it," reported by Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard. Yakin previously worked with Salah at Basel and recently admitted such a signing would be his "Christmas present."

Mourinho's side will receive an honest test against Stoke. It's important the side puts in a dominant performance after losing their last Premier League away game to Newcastle. Even so, Hughes doesn't have a particularly great record against the Blues, as reported by Sky Sports:

You can bet his side will be ready to battle when Chelsea arrive, however. Mourinho will receive another strenuous assessment of his side's ability and resiliency during a match that could define Chelsea's success across the Christmas run.

Stoke have beaten Manchester City and Arsenal this campaign. The former closed the gap atop the Premier League with victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday, meaning Chelsea face their first real pressure of the season when Monday's kick-off sounds.