Chelsea FC Transfers: 15 Rumoured Targets for Andre Villas-Boas in January

Less than two weeks until the transfer window reopens. Less than two weeks until Chelsea get busy bring in new players.

Billionaire owner Roman Abramovich has plenty of money. Manager Andre Villas-Boas has some plans to overhaul his squad.

It should be an interesting month. Here are 15 names the Blues have been linked to in the rumour mill.

Edinson Cavani

When Chelsea play Napoli in the last 16 of the Champions League in February, Edinson Cavani will likely be playing for the Italian club.

But the pairing might serve more as an introduction than a competition. Chelsea are planning a summer move for the 24-year-old Uruguayan star.

That's right, if you can't beat 'em, make 'em join you. Or something like that.

Cavani scored four goals in the Champions League group stage and is well on his way to repeating his 33-goal performance in all competitions last season.

That kind of firepower would look real good up top for Chelsea.

Mario Götze

That article about Cavani also mentions Borussia Dortmund wunderkind Mario Götze as a potential Chelsea target. The rumour is also passed along here.

That's no surprise. Half of Europe is after the young German starlet, especially Arsenal, if reports are to be believed.

Götze impressed last season with Dortmund while breaking into the full German international squad. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has already appeared 12 times for his country, scoring twice.

Joao Moutinho

Finally, that same Cavani article mentions Joao Moutinho as Chelsea's third main January target. Similar reports can be found here and here.

You probably know plenty about Edinson Cavani and Mario Götze, but you might not be so familiar with Moutinho, a 25-year-old Portuguese international midfielder who plays for FC Porto.

Porto is Villas-Boas' old club, so it's no mystery why Chelsea want Moutinho. In fact, the Blues reportedly made an approach for him in the summer.

Moutinho can line up in either the holding or attacking role, and is capable of operating on either wing. That kind of versatility would be valuable in Chelsea's midfield.

Neymar

Let's get this one out of the way early.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Neymar, as have several other big European clubs.

But based on the fact that Neymar recently signed a contract extension with Santos (and filmed this commercial), it seems unlikely that he's going anywhere for a long time.

Cheick Tiote

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew reportedly has conceded that he could lose midfield enforcer Cheick Tiote.

Chelsea are reportedly interested, but so are Manchester United.

This one could get interesting.

Newcastle signed Tiote, an Ivory Coast international, from FC Twente in 2010.

Jack Rodwell

Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell is wanted by Chelsea. So say several media outlets.

But The Sun, that renowned bastion of journalistic excellence, says otherwise.

Imagine that.

Rodwell, as you'll recall, is a 20-year-old who made his full debut for England in the win over Spain. He has been with Everton since his days as a schoolboy.

Danijel Pranjic

Danijel Pranjic is out of favour at Bayern Munich. The 30-year-old Croatian's contract runs out at the end of the season, so he could be available for cheap in January.

Enter Chelsea, who are reportedly interested in signing him as defensive cover.

Pranjic has made 41 appearances for Croatia, with no goals.

Robinho

Ah, Robinho—everybody's favorite Brazilian goofball.

Would Chelsea want him? Some media outlets seem to think so.

I'm not so convinced.

Robinho, 27, has been with AC Milan since 2010. He famously failed at Manchester City before returning to Santos for a short time, and he's also played for Real Madrid.

At the international level, he's appeared 90 times for Brazil, scoring 26 goals.

Diego Godin

Diego Godin is a 25-year-old Uruguayan center back who plays for Atletico Madrid in Spain's La Liga.

If reports are to be believed, he's drawing interest from a number of Premiership clubs, including Chelsea.

Godin has also played for Cerro, Nacional and Villarreal. He has 47 caps with Uruguay.

Gary Cahill

Bolton's Gary Cahill is apparently the most sought-after defender in England.

Chelsea reportedly have been chasing him for several months, as have Arsenal and Spurs.

Cahill's price tag is supposedly £7 million, which for Chelsea is chump change.

Gonzalo Higuain

Real Madrid's Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain last week was the subject of rumours over a £30 million move to Chelsea.

But some are reporting that Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho won't let it happen.

Higuain has scored 12 goals in 22 appearances for Argentina.

Esteban Granero

According to The Sun, Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho wants to swap Esteban Granero for Chelsea's Frank Lampard.

Don't believe it? Neither do I.

Hey, I'm just passing along the rumours.

Alex Pato

Several outlets have been reporting that Chelsea could make a January move for AC Milan's Brazilian striker Alex Pato.

The catch is that Milan would only offer Pato—or Robinho—if they sign Carlos Tevez from Manchester City.

Steven N'Zonzi

According to the Guardian and the Yorkshire Evening Post, Chelsea is one of several clubs interested in Blackburn midfielder Steven N'Zonzi.

The reported price tag is £7 million.

N'Zonzi, 23, appeared six times for France's Under-21 squad but has not made his senior debut.

Gregory Van Der Wiel

Ajax defender Gregory van der Wiel has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester United and Valencia.

CruchSports say he's going to Valencia. A senior Ajax official says van der Wiel is going nowhere.