With the transfer window now officially opened, Chelsea are being linked with moves for two Real Madrid players - Gonzalo Higuain and Fabio Coentrao.
It is a well known fact that the Blues are in the hunt for a striker in the January transfer window. Chelsea's frontline has been further diminished with Daniel Sturridge set to complete his move to Liverpool, leaving Fernando Torres as the only real option up front.
Radamel Falcao was the prime target for the Blues, but any chances of landing the prolific Atletico Madrid striker has been cut down, with the Colombian international saying he would definitely stay with the Spanish club until the end of the season.
Another option, Andre Schurrle is also reportedly unavailable in the January window, leaving Chelsea with little options. David Villa and Alvaro Negredo have been linked, with the latest name to do the rounds being Gonzalo Higuain.
Chelsea are reportedly keeping a keen eye on the Argentinian striker, and are ready to make a bid in the region of £20 million ($32 million). Real are likely to hold out for more, and equally unlikely to let go of their striker in the winter window without an ample replacement in place.
However, Higuain is just recovering from a long-term injury, and even while he was fit, was second-choice to Karim Benzema.
If the striker fancies a move to Chelsea, he could force Real into selling. If indeed Higuain were to move to the English Premier League, it would then considerably increase the chances of Falcao leaving Atletico for Real in the summer.
Another name that is reportedly catching Chelsea's eye is Coentrao, with the left-back unhappy with his situation at Real. The internal turmoil surrounding Real at the moment seems to be taking its toll, with the Portuguese players reportedly being targeted by the Spanish press.
Coentrao has not exactly covered himself in glory with his performances. Marcelo remains the preferred choice at left-back, but with the Brazilian out through injury, Coentrao has failed to really establish himself, thanks to injuries and inconsistent form.
The Portuguese international has reportedly been offered by Real to Tottenham as part of the package to bring Gareth Bale to Spain. However, the left-back prefers a move to Chelsea and would be open to joining the Blues in the summer.
Chelsea are on the lookout for a left-back with Ashley Cole, who has only been offered a one-year deal to stay, expected to leave at the end of the season.
