Chelsea may reportedly still make a bid for Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran before the end of January.
On Tuesday night, the Blues ruthlessly put Middlesbrough to the sword in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, running out 6-1 winners.
However, there has been constant speculation regarding a new striker arriving at Chelsea during the current transfer window, a consequence of the inconsistencies of Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja.
While the spots in Mauricio Pochettino's squad of Jackson and injured versatile attacker Christopher Nkunku are safe, the same cannot be said for Broja.
Co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are allegedly prepared to listen to offers for the Albania international, either permanent or loan with an obligation to buy in the summer.
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As it stands, none of the interested clubs - such as West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers or Fulham - have indicated to Chelsea that they are willing to commit to spending at least £35m in January or later in 2024.
That leaves Broja in line to remain in the starting lineup for Friday's FA Cup fourth round tie with Villa, yet it appears that a potential alternative could be featuring in the opposition squad.
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea's recruitment team are still considering whether or not to make a move for Duran over the next week.
The 20-year-old has just completed a year at Villa Park without making a single Premier League start, instead being restricted to 26 substitute outings.
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Although seven starts have come in cup competitions, there has been no indication that Unai Emery is prepared to hand Duran more minutes in the top flight.
Villa do not necessarily have to be in a rush to part ways with a player who cost £18m and is on a long-term contract, but recouping at least that fee may ultimately prove too good to turn down should such an offer be made.
Emery is also keen to secure the signature of Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers, who could theoretically act as a straight replacement for Duran, yet there is a possibility that Rogers and Duran could each be viewed as backup options to Ollie Watkins.
The report suggests that Chelsea will only move for Duran if they attract a suitable offer for Broja, a player who is currently viewed as first-choice forward with Jackson at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
Darren Plant
