The Chelsea fans here inside the Transfer Tavern are very surprised at the latest name to be linked with a winter move to the Bridge. While it’s no secret that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will be searching for a backup striker to Alvaro Morata this January and with a host of big names linked to Stamford Bridge, Andy Carroll comes as quite a surprise.

Much has been reported over a potential loan-swap deal include misfiring Michy Batshuayi going the opposite way, with some of the regulars in the bar actually warming to the idea. Indeed, while it’s slightly out of left field, Carroll certainly would bring something different to the Bridge.

Carroll, if fit and on form, is a dangerous man to have upfront and would surely give Conte a completely different Plan B to play with Morata’s guile. With that in mind, our landlord has been having a last orders chat with some of the punters, and between them, they believe that if Carroll was to opt for a move to Chelsea, these two players surely need to be leaving…

Michy Batshuayi

Unsurprisingly the first name out of the punter’s mouth was that of Batshuayi, with the link of moving to West Ham or possible other destinations, it seems very much so that the writing is on the wall for the Belgian striker.

Currently being the number one back up to Morata still doesn’t ensure him games, as he’s often still left on the bench in favour of different players coming on. If the Belgian wants to get on the plane to Russia, a move away either on loan or permanently will only benefit the striker.

Islam Feruz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MZk8WP2rts&t=2s

The Scottish striker, at the age of 22 still hasn’t made a first-team appearance for the Blues, despite being at the club since 2011. Many a loan move has seen the forward man move around Europe in search of first team football and to impress the boss.

Having so many loan periods under his belt at this age, surely with another striker coming into the fold would drop Feruz further down the pecking order once again. Our landlord has this one pinned as a guaranteed exit by February 1st.