Chelsea Transfer News - Blues linked to top manager, Brazilian winger may be on his way out and other stories - Tuesday, 5th February 2019

After the dust of the transfer window has settled, there is a settled look/feel about the Blues team. It still has the feel of a work in progress but it seems that the team currently available is the best the club can call on at the moment

The arrival of striker Gonzalo Higuain on a loan deal from Juventus was all about fixing the team's biggest issue; scoring goals. This was a much-needed move following the barren spells of Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud.

Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid) and Cesc Fabregas (AS Monaco) were the major departures while a host of players including Victor Moses also went out on loan.

The 4-0 thrashing by Bournemouth raised the spectre of panic buying before the market shut for the season. However, this fear was not realized.

Here is a look at the latest transfer speculation concerning the club:

#1 Blues linked to in-demand Premier League manager

Pochettino is a man in demand

Maurizio Sarri has spent less than a year at the helm at Stamford Bridge. So far, his tenure has been a mix of good and bad results with the team still adapting to his philosophy.

However, this has not stopped the rumour mill from speculating about his long-term future. According to the Daily Express, the Chelsea board have decided to enter the fray of clubs jostling to sign Tottenham Hotspur manager, Mauricio Pochettino.

The news report states that Blues owner, Roman Abramovich has already sent text messages to Sarri intimating that his position may be under threat if he does not secure UEFA Champions League football for next season.

Real Madrid and Manchester United have long been linked with moves for the Spurs manager whose profile has been on the rise since his arrival in English football with Southampton in 2013.

#2 Contract policy may see the exit of star midfielder

Willian could be set to leave the club

A number of Chelsea stars are nearing the end of their contracts and will be up for renewal shortly. However, there are indications that in a bid to reduce the squad's average age, the board may not offer long extensions to players of a certain age range.

One of the casualties of this may be Brazilian international, Willian. According to the Evening Standard, the club's longstanding policy of not offering long-term contracts to players in their 30s' is the cause of this.

The 30-year-old who divides opinions among the Stamford Bridge faithful still has 18 months left on his contract. However, he would like an extension till 2023. This would keep him at the club until he turns 34.

Chelsea has so far, only offered a 12-month extension giving the policy. With Willian and his agent unwilling to accept the current offer, it may see him move next summer.

This policy was what led to the exit of Fabregas as the club only offered him the same 12-month extension while current club, AS Monaco, offered him a contract till 2022.

#3 Centre-back may join London rivals next season

Cahill looks set to join Palace in the summer

Sarri had made it clear very early in his tenure that David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger would be his first choice centre-backs for the season.

This saw Kurt Zouma go out on loan to Everton while Gary Cahill and Andreas Christensen have had to sit on the bench and watch from the sidelines. This has led to rumours of angst from the duo about their roles in the team.

Cahill, in principle, is the team's captain but having spent so much time on the bench, may be on his way out in the summer. According to Sportshills.com, the former England international may be on his way across London to join Crystal Palace.

He has less than six months left on his contract and its certain that he won't be offered a new one by the club. As a result, he could move to the South of London to join Roy Hodgson's Eagles once the season ends.