Newcastle striker Demba Ba could be on his way to London after all, with Chelsea reportedly set for talks with the 27-year-old's representatives over a January move.
Ba's £7 million ($11 million) release clause is an open secret, with the likes of Arsenal, QPR and PSG linked with a move for the prolific forward.
Arsene Wenger, however, ruled out a move for Ba, who preferred either a move to the Gunners or PSG.
That situation has given an opportunity to Chelsea to make their move for the player, who has already scored 13 goals this season, including two against Arsenal in the 7-3 loss at the Emirates, according to widespread reports.
Chelsea's top target Radamel Falcao has committed his immediate future to Atletico Madrid, leading to the Blues looking at other options.
David Villa of Barcelona was also heavily linked, but the Catalan club said they would not be willing to sell any player in the winter window.
That led to suggestions the Blues were closing in on a move for Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, but with Ba having Premier League experience, Chelsea might prefer a move for the Newcastle man.
The only problem with Ba will be his suspect knees, which was a major reason that led to Wenger pulling out of the deal.
There is little doubt that the Blues need cover in the center forward position, with Fernando Torres their only realistic option at the moment. While the Spaniard has shown some good form off late under Rafa Benitez, doubts still remain over his levels of consistency in the Blue shirt of Chelsea.
Ba will be a good short-term option; however if Chelsea are again going to go for Falcao in the summer, convincing the Senegalese international to that effect might, in turn, pose a problem.
Meanwhile, Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is set to undergo a scan to assess the extent of the injury he suffered in the 2-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park.
Cech was forced off at halftime due to a groin injury, and the goalkeeper is hoping the problem will not be too serious.
"I think it was in 40th minute when I was punching the ball away and when I jumped I felt pain in my right groin," Cech told the club's official website.
"I finished the half knowing I would not be able to continue after the break. We will see how serious it is. We will know more after the medical check that I undergo tomorrow (Monday)."
