Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke is still on Chelsea’s shortlist of transfer targets, according to the Mirror.
West Ham’s Andy Carroll remains the Blues’ number one priority but the Belgian forward is reportedly a backup option if negotiations with the Hammers prove difficult.
Chelsea were said to be interested in signing Carroll on loan but West Ham are believed to be unwilling to let the player leave unless it is on a permanent basis.
A £20m price tag has been placed on the 29 year old, the Mirror and Sky Sports are reporting, but with the player having a long list of injuries, and having scored only two goals this season, the move may prove to be too costly.
It must be said, Benteke’s form and fitness haven’t been too much better than Carroll’s this season. The 27 year old missed five games with a knee injury between September and November, and has scored just once so far this campaign.