It is difficult to act during the January transfer window as players are still in doubt about their future and clubs are reluctant to sell unless the price is well above normal market average. The best players are either settled in or waiting for the season to end in order to make a decision. High-end moves are very rare and successful high-end moves are even rarer. Because of that it would be wiser to focus on low-cost transfer targets and rumors related to them. While hearing that James Rodriguez or Antoine Griezmann may leave this month is eye-catching and captivating, it is very improbable to see Real or Atletico sell unless it involves teams outside Europe.

With that in mind, two rumors liking Chelsea to possible transfers stood out. First there’s that of French defensive midfielder Tiemoué Bakayoko. The 22-year-old is apparently being scouted by Conte and according to Metro, might represent a top target for the Blues. Despite being very young, he has already become a team regular at Monaco and has impressed on several occasions. He is the kind of player every team needs regardless of the system they use. His style is perfectly suitable to Conte’s game as he is quite similar to Matic. The problem with him is that Monaco are very close to a title this season which given the existence of PSG in Ligue 1, is not something you pass up regardless of your destination. A winter transfer is quite improbable even though it would be nice to have this promising midfielder ready for next season. Hopefully in the summer things will be different.

The second low-cost transfer Conte might consider is that of Tottenham left-back Ben Davis. The 23-year-old expressed his intension of leaving even if he is under contract with the Spurs until 2019. The Wales international is not to be brought in as a first choice for Conte’s side but he might be find with the idea of having to compete harder than ever for a spot in the starting eleven. This season he made just 12 appearances and again he might be tough to sign as his agent already refused Chelsea the chance to have Biglia and Coleman, both represented by MUP Soccer consulting. Again, just as with Bakayoko, he might be nice to have around as an option going through the second half of the season.