Chelsea Transfer News: Dele Alli, John Stones, Juan Cuadrado, Top Blues Rumours

Chelsea are one of several clubs ruing the decision to pass on Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli, but they have even more reason to regret missing out on him as they chose to stick with academy youngster Lewis Baker ahead of the midfielder despite recommendations to the contrary by their top scouts.

That's according to the Daily Mail (via Luke Gardener of the Daily Star), while Gardener also noted the stark contrast in fortunes between Alli and Baker. While one is drawing rave reviews and playing for his country, the other has been shipped out to Vitesse Arnhem on a season-long loan.

Spurs snapped Alli up for £5 million—and his form for Spurs has seen his value quadruple according to former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp in the Evening Standard. He said:

"

Tottenham paid £5 million for him in the end, which is nothing. It is an amazing buy. He’s worth at least £20 million now if not a lot more. And Spurs had a clear run at signing him!

[...]

[It] shames the recruitment networks at the top clubs—who could think further ahead—that they didn’t go in for him. Why didn’t Arsenal sign him? Don’t tell me Chelsea shouldn’t have bought him for £5 million . What’s £5 million to Manchester United, especially with the way they throw their money around now?

"

The central midfielder has been in exceptional form at White Hart Lane this season, drawing plaudits from former Tottenham and England striker Gary Lineker:

"

I think we've found one. Fabulous from Deli Alli.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 17, 2015"

Alli made his Three Lions debut against France on Tuesday, marking the occasion with a magnificent goal that club team-mate Hugo Lloris could only dream of stopping.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

The dynamic 19-year-old adds steel in the middle of the park, per Squawka Football:

That's something Chelsea sorely lack at the moment as Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas have significantly struggled to protect their vulnerable back four this season.

Further, his two goals for Spurs and long-range effort against France also demonstrate his effectiveness when getting forward.

Chelsea's current policy of hoovering up young talent and loaning them all out each season already reflects somewhat poorly on the club as few ever stand a chance of making the first-team, and missing out on Alli only compounds their recruitment issues.

Joe Skipper/Associated Press

They have perhaps not learned their lesson, though, as according to French outlet L'Equipe (h/t Metro's Will Giles) the Blues have agreed a £6.2 million deal to sign Boca Juniors striker Jonathan Calleri in January but will immediately send him out on loan.

As Giles notes, the 22-year-old has racked up 21 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Boca this season. However, despite their need for attacking options, Calleri won't be given the chance to aid his new side.

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

The club also sent Juan Cuadrado out on loan this summer to Juventus, following his failure to make an impact at Stamford Bridge upon his arrival in January.

He revealed he jumped at the chance to head back to Serie A. Per David Amoyal of Gianluca Di Marzio's website, the Colombian told UEFA's official website:

"

I didn't have to think twice about it. When the opportunity to return to Italy presented itself I took advantage of it right away.I know the Italian language and people, and I feel at home here. The fact that I found many South Americans on the squad certainly helped how I inserted myself in group. I found some great personalities in the group and they made me feel at home right away. I'm truly happy at Juventus.

"

The 27-year-old struggled for the Blues last season but has looked a new man in Turin and has turned in a series of impressive performances. His form could prompt Chelsea to give him another chance, but it's highly likely Cuadrado would prefer to simply stay in Italy.

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

One player the club aren't likely to loan out should they land him is Everton's John Stones, but according to James Robson of the Manchester Evening News, they will need to pay a phenomenal £45 million to land him.

Robson notes the Blues had an offer of £38 million for the centre-back rejected in the summer, which was already an incredible sum for a player of his relative inexperience.

Chelsea have never been shy of splashing the cash during Roman Abramovich's tenure as owner of the club, so it's wholly possible they could relent and make the excessive payment.

That is particularly the case given the Blues' current desperate situation, as they have conceded a staggering 23 goals in 12 Premier League games. The longer their run of poor form continues, the more likely they are to throw money at a solution like Stones.