Blues open to bringing planned summer deal forward

Chelsea remain open to accelerating a major deal originally planned for the summer, with a centre-back, central midfielder or attacker all under consideration before Monday's transfer deadline.

The most prominent target was Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, but the Frenchman is now on the verge of a £60m move to Liverpool for next season.

It leaves Chelsea without any known major incoming deals this stage, despite a willingness to do so if the right player becomes available. Instead, central defender Aaron Anselmino is joining Strasbourg on loan so Mamadou Sarr can return to Chelsea to reunite with head coach Liam Rosenior, who joined from the French club in early January.

Chelsea's recent interest in Douglas Luiz, now on loan at Aston Villa, shows that central midfielders are also being considered, while the Blues also checked the conditions to sign now-Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo back in December.

However, Chelsea have other outgoings, with Axel Disasi, Tyrique George and David Datro Fofana set to leave on loan or make permanent moves. George is close to joining Everton for the rest of the season. Winger Raheem Sterling was released from his lucrative contract last week.

There could also be departures from the academy, including Jimi Tauriainen, Sam Rak Sakyi and Ato Ampah.