Chelsea's Jordan Henderson celebrates scoring their fifth goal with teammates
Chelsea's Jordan Henderson celebrates scoring their fifth goal with teammates
Chelsea are confident about making a statement signing in the January transfer window, after making a solid, if not spectacular, start to life under the helm of Xabi Alonso.
Prior to the international break, the Blues were having a wobble, drawing one and losing two of their previous three Premier League matches, but they responded with an emphatic 5-1 victory at home against AFC Bournemouth at the weekend.
The result saw Alonso's side move back up to sixth place at this early stage of the campaign, so they are on track to compete for a Champions League spot, despite losing Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City on deadline day.
Fernandez's departure was a real blow, considering he was a major source of goals and assists last season, and there wasn't enough time to bring in a replacement, with a deal for Lamine Camara falling through at the last.
Chelsea- Enzo Fernandez stats
Chelsea- Enzo Fernandez stats
However, Jordan Henderson has stepped up to the plate recently, chipping in with a brace in the 5-1 rout of Bournemouth, whereas Moises Caicedo also impressed after returning from a calf injury.
Signs are positive heading into the trip to unbeaten Everton at the weekend, but the west Londoners remain keen on adding another central midfielder to their squad this winter.
Chelsea increasingly confident about signing Alex Scott
newcastle-bournemouth-alex-scott
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea are now growing in confidence that they will be able to sign Alex Scott in the January transfer window, but a deal could be a costly operation, with AFC Bournemouth planning to hold out for up to £100m.
There is a feeling the Englishman would find a move to Stamford Bridge 'difficult to turn down', and the Cherries may have to think about sanctioning a sale sooner rather than later, given that his contract is set to expire at the end of next season.
The chances of a January move are now growing, but Bournemouth haven't given up hope of keeping the 23-year-old, and hope to convince him to remain at the Vitality Stadium until the end of the season.
However, Scott may have his sights set on a big move, considering he has now started to force his way into England contention, and he impressed Thomas Tuchel during the recent international break.
thomas-tuchel-england
Speaking after England's dominant 7-0 victory in Croatia, Tuchel said: "He plays with so much confidence. He is so active, so confident. The work rate off the ball.
"He is just the complete package. He gave us a lot of mobility and a lot of variety and work rate in the centre of the pitch."
The two-cap England international is also one of Bournemouth's most important players, creating 11 chances in the Premier League this season, the second-highest number in Marco Rose's squad.
Chelsea v Leeds United - Stamford Bridge
Chelsea v Leeds United - Stamford Bridge