Chelsea could sell up to five players before the January window slams shut, according to reports. It's been a quiet month at Stamford Bridge, with Liam Rosenior yet to make his first signing as Blues manager. It hasn't been completely silent, though, given that a couple of players have left the club over the last few weeks.
Leo Castledine joined Middlesbrough on a permanent deal at the start of the window, while Facundo Buonanotte returned to Brighton after his loan spell at Chelsea was cut short. He was promptly sent on another loan to Leeds United, where he'll remain until the end of the season. More departures could reportedly follow over the coming days with deadline day rapidly approaching.
Raheem Sterling is among those who could leave Chelsea before the window closes, according to the Daily Mail. The winger was effectively frozen out under Enzo Maresca and has not played for the Blues since Rosenior's arrival.
Even though all players have been given a clean slate under the new manager, it seems unlikely that Sterling will play for Chelsea again given what's happened over the last few seasons.
The report adds that Axel Disasi could also depart in the near future despite the Frenchman recently returning to first-team training.
Two other players are said to have been made available for sale, with Tyrique George and David Datro Fofana free to join other clubs if Chelsea receive satisfactory offers.
Filip Jorgensen, meanwhile, would only be sold if the Blues receive a bid too good to turn down. Chelsea would rather avoid disrupting their goalkeeping set-up in the middle of the season, but a strong offer could change their minds.
Teenage forward Ato Ampah is thought to be attracting interest from Championship clubs as well as sides in Italy, both on a permanent and loan basis. Chelsea are believed to be considering whether to sanction an exit before the window closes.
Cole Palmer has also been mentioned in connection with a potential move to Manchester United, but that would seem highly unlikely with reports suggesting the Blues deem him 'untouchable'.
"I've had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very, very happy to be here," said the Chelsea manager. "He's a huge part of our plans in the long term. He's an outstanding player.
"Every player goes through difficult moments in their careers in terms of injury. I don't think it's any reflection on his qualities. He's an outstanding footballer.
"But my job and the club's job is to get him in a place where he can consistently perform at the level that he wants to."