Chelsea Transfer News: Saido Berahino Blow, Latest on Radamel Falcao Rumours

Tottenham Hotspur have dealt Chelsea a blow ahead of the January transfer window, following reports they'll revive interest in Saido Berahino. But interim manager Guus Hiddink will look to outcast Radamel Falcao for new inspiration.

Berahino's future at West Bromwich Albion has been in doubt since he handed in a transfer request over the summer, and the Telegraph's John Percy claimed Spurs are ready to tempt the striker again this winter.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

BBC Sport reported in August that it was an offer from Tottenham that urged Berahino to submit his request to leave the Hawthorns, but the England under-21 international has remained in a state of limbo at West Brom.

Berahino has made several appearances for the Baggies reserves in a bid to win back his place in the first-team XI, resulting in high praise from manager Tony Pulis, per Sky Sports Audio:

Spurs are clearly fans of the 22-year-old, as they submitted four bids during the summer transfer window, two of which came in a mad dash to acquire his services on deadline day, according to Percy.

West Brom legend Tony Brown recently told BBC West Midlands of his disappointment in the player, whom he feels is wasting a great deal of talent, per BBC Sport:

"

It's been a waste all season, for the lad himself and for the club. Does the lad realise that he is wasting his career? He's got a great gift of scoring goals. There's not a lot of players who have got that ability. While he is sitting on the bench, he is not able to fulfil his potential. 

He's in limbo. Nothing's happened for him. In any era of football, it should never happen. But, whatever his problems are, he's got to go out in games and play for himself. By that, I don't mean that the team doesn't matter. I mean that you go out and play to your capabilities. Go and score goals and the team benefits as a result.

When you're not in the side, you should be working your hardest, putting every effort you can into catching the manager's eye to say "Give me a chance." That obviously hasn't happened.

"

Chelsea are desperate for change in the wake of Jose Mourinho's departure, and the flagging form of strikers Diego Costa and Falcao have been part of the reason behind the Blues' struggles.

Falcao isn't as accountable, considering he's struggled to make Chelsea's XI, however, and Hiddink will offer the Colombian another chance after taking over at the helm, according to the Telegraph's Sam Wallace.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Only two of Falcao's 11 appearances this season have been as part of the starting lineup, as Costa and Loic Remy sat ahead of the on-loan forward in Mourinho's pecking order.

Hiddink will offer the South American a fresh start in an attempt to revive the form he enjoyed prior to January 2014, but Ben McAleer of WhoScored.com pointed out just how short of goals Falcao has been in recent times:

Chelsea disregarded an underwhelming loan spell at Manchester United last season to bring Falcao in on temporary terms, but a return of just one goal so far this season hasn't set pulses racing at Stamford Bridge.

Hiddink will assess the squad with a fresh pair of eyes, and Falcao even took to his official Twitter page to thank a fan who wished him new success under the Dutchman:

A revitalised Falcao could potentially rule out any need for the west Londoners to pursue Berahino, for whom West Brom are likely to once again drive a hard bargain.

Hiddink will undoubtedly be praised as a master tinkerer if he manages to get Falcao back on track, but Chelsea will require more than one stroke of genius from the interim boss to attain any success this season.