Chelsea Transfer Rumours and News Tracker: Week of January 5

The winter transfer window is upon us. Inevitably, the rumour mill is beginning to kick into gear.

Chelsea are among the clubs being linked with high-profile moves for some of Europe's finest talents, while some stars of their own are catching attention.

As always, Bleacher Report will keep you up to date with the latest breaking news on the ins and outs at Stamford Bridge.

Stay tuned to keep on top of all the rumours surrounding your club.

Last update: Monday, Jan. 5

Mark Schwarzer Joins Leicester City

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has said "goodbye" to Chelsea and "g'day" to Leicester City, joining the Foxes on a free transfer.

Jose Mourinho used his post-match press conference after Sunday's 3-0 win over Watford to confirm the news and thank the Australian for his services.

"I want to publicly thank Mark Schwarzer because he is leaving us and he was a fantastic guy for us," Mourinho said.

"As a goalkeeper, when we needed him, he was there for us. And as a person and as a professional, he was an amazing guy."

"

JM: “Mark Schwarzer is leaving Chelsea. I want to publicly thank him. He was there for us. An amazing guy," @br_uk #CFC

— Garry Hayes (@garryhayes) January 4, 2015"

The news means Petr Cech will more than likely remain at Stamford Bridge until the summer, with Chelsea's only other back-up being Jamal Blackman, who is returning from his loan with Middlesbrough.

Mourinho also confirmed he wouldn't be signing another goalkeeper to cover Schwarzer's departure.

"

JM: “Schwarzer is leaving but we won’t sign another goalkeeper. Jamal Blackman is coming back from Middlesbrough." @br_uk #CFC

— Garry Hayes (@garryhayes) January 4, 2015"

*All quotes and news taken first hand unless otherwise noted.

Chelsea Quoted £20 Million for Raphael Varane

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

He's not getting first-team football under Carlo Ancelotti, but that hasn't stopped Real Madrid slapping a £20 million price tag on defender Raphael Varane.

According to the Express, both Chelsea and Manchester United are in the market for a new central defender and Varane is top of their list.

If both clubs are willing to meet Real's asking price, they will have to fight it out for his signature, though.

The European champions are willing to let Varane leave as they want to give Pepe an improved contract and also promote homegrown talent Nacho.