Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Joe Hart and Leon Bailey

Chelsea are reportedly considering Joe Hart as a possible replacement for Thibaut Courtois, while the Blues were said to be ready to bring Leon Bailey to the club in January.

Courtois' contract expires in 2019, and the club are concerned he could leave for Real Madrid or even see out his contract and walk away for free, according to the Sun on Sunday's Mike McGrath.

Chelsea have been unable to agree a new deal with Courtois, and Madrid could move for the goalkeeper at the end of the season after missing out on Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has signed a new contract with Athletic Bilbao.

Real Madrid may also face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for Courtois, according to journalist Kristof Terreur:

Per Ben Burrows at The Independent, the goalkeeper said at the start of 2018 "he is happy at Chelsea and a deal is close." However, as one of the top 'keepers in Europe, speculation over his future will continue while the deal remains unsigned.

Hart, meanwhile, is on loan at West Ham United from Manchester City but has lost his place in the team to Adrian. The 30-year-old has been England's first-choice goalkeeper but could lose his place for the FIFA 2018 World Cup if he remains on the Hammers bench.

Dan Silver at the Telegraph has been critical of West Ham's decision to bring in Hart on big wages:

A Chelsea move for Hart to replace Courtois seems odd at best. The Belgium international is a quality goalkeeper approaching the peak of his powers, while Hart is past his best, unwanted by Manchester City and struggling for game time at West Ham.

Meanwhile, the Blues would have paid €30 million (£26 million) for Bailey in January but that was not enough for Bayer Leverkusen, per Sport Bild (h/t Sport Witness).

The Bundesliga side may consider a sale for €50 million (£44 million) in the summer, and the 20-year-old has previously said he dreams of playing in the Premier League.

Bailey is enjoying a fine season with Leverkusen and has eight goals and five assists in 18 Bundesliga outings. He is arguably the star of the season in the German top flight so far this season.

Scouted Football explains just what to expect from him:

The winger has been particularly impressive in early 2018. He put in a strong display against leaders Bayern Munich, turning Niklas Sule inside out before firing a shot which hit the crossbar. A stunning long-range effort against Mainz followed, and he also turned on the style with a backheeled goal against Hoffenheim.

Chelsea's attack appears to be in need of some added flair and invention, as they have become overreliant on Eden Hazard. The Blues endured three consecutive goalless draws in January, which highlighted their attacking failings and helped prompt a move for striker Olivier Giroud.

Manager Antonio Conte has said Chelsea need to buy "two or three players" if they are to challenge Manchester City for the title, per Zinny Boswell at Sky Sports.

However, the Italian's position at the club has come under scrutiny after a poor defence of their title, and it remains to be seen if he will still be in charge come the summer.