In November, he suggested that Jamie Vardy was the best English striker of his generation, better even than Wayne Rooney or Harry Kane. He also claimed that League One side Barrow and then a doomed Southampton were the “worst” possible opponents for his Chelsea side, who went on to score five in both games.

Chelsea are keen on signing another goalkeeper amid Robert Sanchez's struggles between the posts, although Manchester United are targeting the same man: Gregor Kobel

Chelsea are interested in signing Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich before next week's transfer deadline but are not alone, with several clubs chasing the winger's signature