Chelsea are looking to offload two out-of-favour players to fund another raid for top transfer target Declan Rice, according to reports.
The Blues are looking to sell or loan out keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and centre-half Antonio Rudiger in January, according to transfer expert Ian McGarry, the Mirror reports.
The defensive midfielder was released by the Blues at the age of 14, but has been repeatedly touted as a target for Frank Lampard.
Rice has gone on to make well over 100 Premier League appearances and establish himself as an England player by the age of 21.
Both Kepa and Rudiger have fallen well down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and looked likely to leave in the last transfer window.
The Spanish keeper made a string of high-profile errors before being surplanted by Edouard Mendy’s arrival in the autumn.
Rudiger has made just one start for the Blues in the Premier League and has not been missed as Chelsea’s defensive record has improved.
Lampard may choose to partner Rice with veteran Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, for the short-term at least.
McGarry said: “Declan Rice to Chelsea in January is possible for the right fee. Chelsea could sell or loan both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Antonio Rudiger to raise the funds needed.”
Meanwhile, The Sun reports that Chelsea are also interested in Bayern Munich defender David Alaba.