The Chelsea fans are the happiest of all our football followers here in the Transfer Tavern at present, with the Blues sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League.

Antonio Conte’s men sit proudly at the summit of the division following Sunday’s 1-0 success over Middlesbrough, leaving their ardent followers here in the Tavern jumping for joy.

Given that he has not worked in England previously, it was thought by many that the Italian boss might need to oversee a period of transition before reaping the rewards, but their current league position offer great cause for optimism.

With January on the horizon it is likely that the Chelsea boss will continue to stamp his authority on the squad, with a few players likely to depart Stamford Bridge.

Transfer Tavern writer Lee Clarke takes a look at two players who could leave the club alongside Cesc Fabregas, whose days already look numbered, this January.

John Obi Mikel

The Nigerian midfielder has fallen way down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and at 29-years-old he definitely needs to start thinking about leaving Chelsea.

Mikel looked in good shape towards the back end of last season and surprised many of the Blues contingent here in the Tavern with a string of fine displays.

Things just haven’t worked out for the player under Conte however and a move would be best for Mikel at this stage of his career.

Michy Batshuayi

The Belgian striker only arrived during the summer months and so far he has done little to suggest that he can become a top player for Chelsea.

Diego Costa has been in fine form this season which has seen first-team opportunities hard to come by, but nonetheless he hasn’t taken his chances when they have landed in his lap.

One Chelsea supporter is playing on the games machine here in the Tavern and he thinks the Belgian is at a good age still and should only be loaned out – if he was to leave at all.

Chelsea fans, do you agree that these players should leave? Who else should be flogged? Let us know in the comments below!!!