Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Players Linked, Rumours After Jose Mourinho's Exit

Guus Hiddink has reportedly told Chelsea to sign Leicester City's Jamie Vardy in January—despite not yet being confirmed as Jose Mourinho's replacement.

Bleacher Report UK shared the Sun's back page:

According to Andrew Dillon of said newspaper, "talks between the Dutchman and owner Roman Abramovich are at an advanced stage with Hiddink expected to assume control on Monday," and to that end he has put Vardy and West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino "at the top of his wishlist."

The former has been in stunning form this season, per Squawka Football:

Vardy's goals have incredibly helped catapult the Foxes into the Premier League title race, and they now top the division after spending much of last season rooted to the bottom.

Football writer Liam Canning hailed Leicester's tenacious work rate after their 2-1 defeat of Chelsea on Monday—the match that proved the final straw for owner Roman Abramovich and led to Mourinho's dismissal as manager:

The Englishman perhaps exemplifies these qualities more than any other Leicester player, and the striker is forever covering vital ground for his team both with and without the ball.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

He may not be the fashionable marquee forward Blues fans will be hoping for, but Chelsea could do much worse than recruit Vardy.

Leicester aren't likely to let go of their stars in January, though, while the 28-year-old would probably prefer to remain at the King Power Stadium as the Foxes are very likely to finish above Chelsea in the league, not to mention the contrasting atmospheres surrounding each club right now.

Berahino is a more realistic option as he has seen his opportunities somewhat restricted at West Brom this season after his failed attempt to force a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

The 22-year-old has still scored three Premier League goals—the same as Diego Costa—in 417 fewer minutes, and last season impressed with 20 in all competitions, as well as six assists.

Berahino would likely welcome a move away even with Chelsea's current problems, and he would also be a more long-term acquisition.

Meanwhile, current Chelsea forward Loic Remy is reportedly the subject of a loan move from Swansea City, according to Darren Lewis and John Cross of the Mirror, who added that Crystal Palace and former club Newcastle United are also interested.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

The Frenchman has been often underused at Stamford Bridge and despite Costa's struggles up front has been handed just 453 minutes of playing time in all competitions, in which he has also scored three times.

Remy has shown in previous spells at Newcastle and Queens Park Rangers that he can be effective at Premier League level, so the interest in him is unsurprising, and he could be a great signing for any of those interested clubs.

However, unless more forwards can be recruited in January Chelsea have very limited options up front, not to mention Remy might enjoy a new lease of life under a new manager.

Depending on the situation with the incoming coach and the Blues' success in adding further options, Remy might well be granted a move away, but equally he might be kept until at least the summer.