Chelsea have reportedly put as many as nine players on the transfer list in order to raise funds for some January business.
The size of Enzo Maresca's squad came under much scrutiny in preseason, but the Italian boss has managed it effectively, trimming it down and having two separate teams for league and cup competitions.
However, the numbers on the books remain extremely bloated, and that could lead to a fire sale at Stamford Bridge this month.
Chelsea are also lacking in defensive numbers, given the recent injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, so much so, teenager Josh Acheampong was drafted in for a start against Crystal Palace last weekend.
It is Crystal Palace where Chelsea are expected to do some of their shopping too, with former academy graduate Marc Guehi being linked with a move back to the club to strengthen that rearguard.
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Chelsea to offload in attempts to sign Guehi?
Guehi will not come cheap though, as Newcastle United found out in the summer, when they had a £70m bid for the England international rejected by the Eagles.
In order to raise the funds for such a potentially big offer, and to free up some space in the dressing room, the Telegraph claim Chelsea will look to offload up to nine fringe players this month.
One of those players is currently on loan at Palace, and Chelsea could see Trevoh Chalobah as a pawn that could help the deal go through, if they can agree a permanent move for the player to stay at Selhurst Park.
Axel Disasi is also among the players mentioned, despite playing in the problem position, as he has flattered to deceive under Maresca, continuing to fall down the pecking order, especially after starting in the recent defeat to Ipswich Town.
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Could any big-money signings be moved on?
Having spent almost £2bn assembling their current squad, there is currently no place in the side for plenty of players who commanded large fees.
There was plenty of excitement when Christopher Nkunku joined from RB Leipzig, but the Frenchman has been unable to break into the side since signing, playing second fiddle to Nicolas Jackson, while also suffering from numerous injury setbacks.
Former Leicester City man Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall followed Maresca to West London this summer, but he has barely kicked a ball in the Premier League this season, being restricted only to continental football, and Chelsea could see him as a high-value asset that can be sold.
Another ex-Leicester man Ben Chilwell arrived before the takeover of Todd Boehly, but injury issues have hampered his career in the past few years, and he has also not been in Maresca's plans whatsoever.
Elsewhere in the squad, the lesser-seen Cesare Casadei, and young trio Carney Chukwuemeka, Harvey Vale and Alex Matos are all players who could be moved on this month too.
Andrew Delaney
