Chelsea are reportedly giving consideration to making an approach for PSV Eindhoven winger Noni Madueke.
The Blues are currently enduring one of their worst runs of form for a number of years, losing six of their last nine matches in all competitions.
Manchester City have got the better of Graham Potter's side in the last two fixtures, prevailing 1-0 in the Premier League before they thoroughly outplayed Chelsea in the FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
As a result, the West Londoners hierarchy have allegedly reacted by moving to the brink of signing Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix on a loan deal for the remainder of the season.
While Chelsea have concerns over recent injuries sustained by Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic, there has been an urgency to improve the team's play in the final third for several weeks.
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If Felix completes a switch from Wanda Metropolitano to Stamford Bridge, the Portugal international is expected to command a regular role in the team's attack.
Nevertheless, according to The Times, Chelsea may look to make a further statement by making contact with PSV for Madueke.
Since moving to the Dutch giants in 2018, the Englishman has established himself as one of the best young players in the Eredivisie, contributing 11 goals and nine assists from 50 appearances.
However, injuries have halted his development at the club, and the England Under-21s international has featured for just 291 minutes during the 2022-23 campaign.
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Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly, who has now stepped down as sporting director, may be ready to try to tempt PSV into a sale if Potter wishes to sign another creative player in January.
PSV have already moved to resolve their alleged financial issues with the sale of Cody Gakpo to Liverpool, but they may be open to another big-money departure if the terms suit them.
Madueke was able to prove his fitness at the weekend as he completed 90 minutes for the first time this season as PSV were held to a goalless draw by Sparta Rotterdam.
Chelsea are also being heavily linked with putting forward a proposal for Marcus Thuram, who has less than six months remaining on his contract at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Darren Plant
