The signing of a central defender depends on exits and the club have to fund the purchase of a striker and a right-footed winger too. There are two questions to answer on the issue: why Chelsea are pursuing another player in this position at all and what are the ramifications for those centre-backs at the club?

Andoni Iraola says the noise and speculation over Dean Huijsen’s future has not affected the Bournemouth defender in the slightest and the youngster is fully focused on seeing out a strong end to the season.

Louis: Please, can we just sign a goalkeeper and a centre-forward? I like Huijsen but we have Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, and more on loan. A new centre-back is not what we need. Only if we offload one or two would I want us to sign Huijsen.