The Daily Express have Chelsea fans smiling with hope here in the Football Transfer Tavern as they claim that Blues flop Mohamed Salah could well be heading for a January exit.

Spartak Moscow boss Murat Yakin has claimed that all he wants for Christmas is his former player who he used to manage during his time at FC Basel with the former Swiss international positively gushing about Salah.

He claimed: “I know the economic situation in Russia is not the best, but the club can afford both players’ wages.

“The club president promised a surprise in the upcoming transfer market; I spoke with him about both Salah and Frei and I hope it will happen, that’d be my Christmas present.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to get Salah in the team, even if I have to beg for it.”

Egyptian international Salah arrived at Stamford Bridge in January 2014 in a move that was billed by critics as a swoop designed simply to deny London rivals Tottenham the chance to strengthen their attacking ranks.

Ever since, it hasn’t worked out for Salah who previously burst onto the scene in the Champions League, ironically against the Blues.

Behind Eden Hazard, Oscar, Willian and Andre Schurrle in the attacking midfield pecking order, our punters reckon this rumour has more legs than most!