Coral’s Rumour Reel: Berahino start of Chelsea overhaul?
Published:
Lee Gormley | November 18, 2015
Chelsea winter overhaul
The Christmas period is swiftly approaching, which means so too is the January transfer market, when managers go in search of quick-fire buys that can restore order in their squads and help boost their ranks for the remaining campaign.
One of those ready to splash some cash in the winter window is Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who is reportedly set to make an overhaul in his Blues set-up, following a disastrous Premier League season so far.
The defending champions have incredibly dropped down to 16th position in the top-flight table and sit just three points adrift of the relegation places, making them 100/1 with Coral to retain their crown, but a more realistic 7/2 for a top four finish.
Berahino Blues bound?
Having remained with West Bromwich Albion in the summer, despite seemingly trying to force through a move to Tottenham, Baggies frontman Saido Berahino is now a Chelsea target next year.
Brazil-born Spain international striker Diego Costa has failed to live up his billing from last term, stuttering in front of goal, while Radamel Falcao continues his hapless fall from grace, and Loic Remy offers some minor consolation when deployed.
Berahino, still only 22 years of age, is valued at around £20m, and Tony Pulis may finally see the England international depart The Hawthorns in January to help the stumbling champions, after his three vital Baggies strikes this campaign.
Feghouli tug-of-war
As well as aiming to lure Berahino to Stamford Bridge, Mourinho may also face a battle with Manchester United for the signature of Valencia’s talented wideman Sofiane Feghouli.
The 25-year-old Algeria international winger looks like a suitable fit for that swift attacker Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal has been desperately seeking, but Chelsea are also interested in his services.
Mourinho has somewhat overlooked his younger starlets this term, but the London club are still close to agreeing a deal for 18-year-old Bologna midfielder Amadou Diawara, with the Guinean prospect reportedly striking a deal with Roman Abramovich.
Sneijder linked again
With the likes of Brazil international Oscar, Falcao, Costa and even last season’s stars Nemanja Matic and Eden Hazard being linked with a Blues exit, could Wesley Sneijder once again link-up with Mourinho?
The pair worked successfully together at Inter Milan, winning a historic treble, and the Dutch midfielder has long been tipped for a switch to the Premier League, even now during his time at Galatasaray.
Bhoys battling for Bero?
Elsewhere, in the Scottish Premiership, reigning champions Celtic are hoping to capture Slovakia Under-21 international Matus Bero, with a host of European sides tracking the Trencin starlet’s progress.
Jurgen Klopp may look to sign reinforcements in January too, and his Liverpool outfit have been linked heavily with Lazio skipper and Argentine midfielder Lucas Biglia, with the Reds 11/5 for a top four finish this term.
Finally, Arsenal’s seemingly out-of-favour forward Joel Campbell could finally be set for a move away from the Emirates, with Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Galatasaray reportedly tracking Arsene Wenger’s 23-year-old misfit.
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