Stamford Bridge side ready to strengthen squad in next month’s transfer window.

According to the Daily Mirror Rafa Benitez is likely to be handed funds to invest in new additions during the January transfer window. Even though the Spaniard is only tied down to an interim position in charge of the Blues it appears Roman Abramovich is ready to finance moves that may or may not have been in the planning stages prior to the arrival of Roberto Di Matteo’s replacement.

Cheick Tiote

Among the targets are a number of central midfield options which could become a position the West London side looks to strengthen given news that youngster Oriol Romeu, who has been used a fair bit by Benitez, has will be out for up to six months after undergoing anterior cruciate reconstruction surgery and medial meniscus repair following a knee injury.

John Obi Mikel is set to participate in the African Nations Cup for much of January and February and Frank Lampard is currently only filling a bit part player role. Indeed any additions could be with the long term in mind.

Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote is one name on the Chelsea wish-list and given the Magpies average start to the campaign the battling enforcer could well be tempted by a possible move to the Champions League holders. St James’ Park owner Mike Ashley could be tempted into selling the former FC Twente man, especially if any offer was a significantl increase on the £3.5m spent to buy the Ivory Coast international.

Another midfield target comes in the form of Corinthians star Paulinho, who is a little more than just a holding midfielder, he is also able to move forwards with the ball and create an effective link between midfield and attack. Indeed the Brazilian international also gets more than his fair share of goals, netting 35 goals in the last three seasons.

Paulinho could join fellow countrymen David Luiz, Oscar, Ramires, Wallace and Lucas Piazon in a Chelsea squad stacked with Brazilian talent.