Punters in the Football Transfer Tavern were shocked at the news coming out of Stamford Bridge yesterday, as master of the mind games Jose Mourinho sprung another surprise.
The Special One has re-entered the transfer market after the Blues dismal start to the season, and surprised everyone – not least fans of Manchester United – by stealing Pedro from Barcelona.
Bets were off for the Spanish forward to complete the switch to Old Trafford, but reports claim Mourinho and former teammate Cesc Fabregas have worked their magic to convince Pedro to swap Manchester for west London.
And the Blues transfer business is unlikely to end there.
Mourinho made it clear he is looking for more players with his not so subtle subbing of John Terry during the 3-0 defeat at the Etihad, a move many perceived to be a message to owner Roman Abramovich to splash some more cash.
Here we have identified five players that could end up following Pedro to Stamford Bridge before the close of the window.
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Click on Jose Mourinho to reveal 5 players to follow Pedro to Chelsea this summer
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John Stones
Chelsea have made no secret of their desire to sign John Stones from Everton this summer, having had three bids rejected so far.
The latest was understood to have been a whopping £30million, yet Everton remain adamant they won’t allow one of their prized assets to leave.
But reports today suggest the Blues are ready to go as high as £40million for the England international, surely an offer the Toffees will find difficult to refuse.
Lucas Digne
Chelsea are a bit short in the full back positions having allowed Felipe Luis to return to Atletico Madrid after only a season at Stamford Bridge.
There are concerns over the early season form of Branislav Ivanovic too, so it would not be a surprise if Mourinho entered the transfer market for reinforcements.
The market is not loaded with many options at present, but one they may consider is PSG’s 22-year-old left back Lucas Digne, who has been told he can leave this summer.
Previously a target for Liverpool, Digne would provide some much needed cover in the full back positions.
Lucas Biglia
Cesc Fabregas has come under the spotlight over the last week for his inability to defend in that central midfield position.
Besides John Obi Mikel who is seen as nothing more than a squad player, there is no real competition or first choice partner for Nemanja Matic in games Mourinho would usually like to keep it tight.
Argentine midfielder Lucas Biglia has emerged as one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe over the past year, and is another who has caught the attentions of Manchester United.
Is another steal on the cards?
William Carvalho
The 23-year-old is considered to be one of the brightest young talents in Portugal, and is a player Mourinho knows well.
Like Biglia, Carvalho is considered a defensive midfielder first and foremost, but with the energy and ability to play further forward.
He would not come cheap however, with Sporting Lisbon demanding in excess of £30million for his services.
That may seem small if Carvalho can help prevent defeats the likes of which we saw at the Etihad on Sunday however.
Thomas Muller
We can’t help but feel Jose has one more big trick up his sleeve.
The Blues have been surprisingly quiet in the transfer market up until this point, but there remains concerns about their forwards.
Diego Costa and Loic Remy have been prone to injuries, whilst Radamel Falcao has been unable to prove himself in English football.
Another Manchester United target Thomas Muller should not be ruled out as a possible option.
Mourinho would be keen to add such a world class talent, with European Cup winning pedigree, capable of scoring goals in tight matches – even for the £60million being quoted.
