Chelsea draw up five-man shortlist for statement midfield transfer including Bellingham, Rice and Fernandez

CHELSEA have drawn up a five-man shortlist for a big name signing, reports suggest.

It includes England duo Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice among other World Cup stars.

With the contracts of both Jorginho and N'Golo Kante expiring in the summer, have reported there are contrasting positions on new deals for them.

They report "positive talks" have been held for a new Kante deal, while Jorginho appears to be edging closer to the exit door.

This means an overhaul is desperately needed in central midfield.

And Todd Boehly, as well as transfer chiefs Christopher Vivell and Paul Winstanley, has drawn up their list of stars to replace them...

Jude Bellingham

Bellingham is perhaps the most sought-after player in world football at the moment, so it makes sense that Chelsea would be linked with him.

However, regardless of Boehly's "obsession" with him, the teenager appears destined to head to either Real Madrid or Liverpool - though a transfer is set to cost north of £100million.

Declan Rice

Having once been a part of the Blues academy before rising to prominence at West Ham, Rice has been heavily linked with a move to a bigger team for many years.

Chelsea have been earmarked to rekindle his friendship with Mason Mount, but as it stands Arsenal are leading the race for the £88m-rated ace with his Hammers deal expiring in 18 months' time.

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Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez has already been the subject of a bid from Chelsea, with reports suggesting a £79m-plus player offer was submitted to Benfica.

However, the bid was branded "disrespectful," and any bid for Fernandez will now likely need to wait until the summer after Fernandez himself appeared to squash rumours of his exit with his latest goal celebration.

Alexis Mac Allister

Fellow Argentine World Cup hero Alexis Mac Allister is a name familiar to Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and his good form has seen the Blues consider him for a transfer.

The Brighton star is not at the top of their list, but if Chelsea are genuinely interested they may need to move swiftly to beat the equally keen Arsenal or Tottenham to his signature.

Moises Caicedo

The final name on Chelsea's wishlist is another star who emerged under Potter at Brighton - 21-year-old Moises Caicedo.

Like Mac Allister, Caicedo is not top of the list, but he is arguably more in demand across European football with Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United all monitoring him.