Oh it’s hotting up nicely now.
With less than ten days to go before the January window opens the big hitters are getting involved in speculation about who is being targeted for winter moves.
And respected British media outlet, The Guardian, reckons that Chelsea are looking at five different players as they attempt to bolster their squad for the second half of the season and a serious title charge.
They say:
Chelsea hope to use the money raised by Oscar’s £60m departure for Shanghai SIPG to reinforce in midfield and defence next month
There are actually six players in the report but one, Leonardo Bonucci, has just agreed a new contract at Juventus.
The others?
Tiemoué Bakayoko and Djibril Sidibé
The Guardian states that Antonio Conte and Chelsea technical director, Michael Emenalo went to scout these two earlier in the month. Bakayoka is a 22-year-old France U21 international with 12 caps. The defensive midfielder has been increasingly prominent over the last two seasons with Monaco.
Djibril Sidibé is an adaptable 24-year-old full back who can play on either side and has six caps for France. He also plies his trade at Monaco.
Simon Kjaer, Antonio Rüdiger and Radja Nainggolan
These three have also been ‘heavily scouted’ according to the report.
Kjaer is a 6ft 2in Danish centre back with 59 caps and 3 goals for his country. He moved to Fenerbahce a year ago and, at 27, he’s got great experience.
And the last two both play for Roma. Antonio Rudiger has played 11 times for Germany and 37 times for Roma since his movie last year. At 22 he’s a powerful 6ft 3in centre back who can also operate at full back.
Finally Radja Nainggolan is a player that most will know about after he gave some great displays at EURO 2016 with Belgium. He’s an indefatigable pocket rocket who covers every blade of grass and scores beautiful long range efforts.
Chelsea fans: who is your priority from this lot?