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Chelsea transfer news and rumours: Lionel Messi discusses Chelsea move; Marco Reus and Juan Cuadrado linked

The latest transfer talk surrounding Stamford Bridge

Monday 12 January 2015 11:22 GMT

Lionel Messi (GETTY IMAGES)

KEEP DREAMING...

Lionel Messi has spoken specifically about a move to Chelsea. But unfortunately for fans of the Blues it was to say he would not be moving to Stamford Bridge. There was been talk of unrest at Barcelona recently, leading to speculation that the four-time Ballon d'Or winner could leave the Nou Camp. However, after last night's win over Atletico Madrid, Messi made clear that wouldn't be happening. "I've heard stories I've spoken to Chelsea or City, that's all lies," he said.

HEADING FOR THE EXIT...

Andre Schurrle's future continues to be up for discussion after the World Cup winner was not even in the squad for the visit of Newcastle at the weekend. The Independent understands that the Germany international will be given a little more time by Jose Mourinho, however the Chelsea manager is losing patience with the winger. If a decent offer came in - or a suitable replacement could be found - then Schurrle could still depart this month.

COMING IN...

One of those linked with replacing him is another German - Marco Reus. The Borussia Dortmund player has a £20m release clause which will become active in the summer. There is huge interest in the 25-year-old, but most have expected him to move to Real Madrid. However, reports suggest Chelsea could blow that deal out of the water, and maybe even try to get ahead by making a move this month.

Reus (Getty Images)

Juan Cuadrado, a target for Manchester United, is also being linked with Stamford Bridge. The Fiorentina winger was hugely impressive at the 2014 World Cup as part of Colombia's midfield. The 26-year-old was linked with a move to the Premier League after the tournament in Brazil, particularly to Old Trafford, but no move transpired.

Chelsea: The players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month

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1/12Chelsea: The players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month

Chelsea: The players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month

Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)

Newspapers in Spain report that Chelsea had a mammoth £102m bid rejected for Real Madrid's Welsh winger. It seems unlikely given the Blues' adherence to FFP, while Los Blancos claim they do not want to sell.

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Chelsea: The players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month

Andrej Kramaric (Rijeka)

The Croatian striker is attracting interest from across the Premier League with Tottenham and Leicester also interested in his services. The Foxes even had a bid accepted but the 23-year-old rejected a move to the King Power Stadium. Kramaric has 28 goals in just 30 matches for Rijeka this season.

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Chelsea: The players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month

Paul Pogba (Juventus)

The former Manchester United midfielder has become one of the most sought-after players in world football during his spell at Juventus. Still only 21, the Frenchman, who has drawn comparisons with Patrick Vieira, has helped Juventus to titles in both his seasons in Serie A, while he impressed the world at the World Cup. Could cost upwards of £40m, but Juventus have claimed that he won't be leaving during the current transfer window as they want to build 'a team of champions'.

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Chelsea: The players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month

Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus)

The Ghanaian utility man can play on the left wing, central midfield, left-back and as a wing back and has become a crucial part of Juve's recent success. The Blues are linked with a £24m move for a player who would bolster their squad.

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Chelsea: The players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month

Kevin Strootman (Roma)

Manchester United and Chelsea are both believed to be interested in the Dutch midfielder, 24, who has played only three matches this season as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury he suffered in January. At his best, Strootman is a brilliant box-to-box threat.

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Chelsea: The players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month

Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)

Just about every top club in Europe is chasing the German star, who looks destined to leave struggling Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season. But with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich potential suitors, it may take a lot to convince the 25-year-old to come to Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea: The players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month

Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)

A long-term target and personal favourite of Jose Mourinho's, Varane is already one of the world's best defenders. Classy in possession, a gifted athlete and smart reader of the game, Real Madrid would be foolish to allow the 21-year-old to depart.

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Chelsea: The players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month

Karim Bellarabi (Bayer Leverkusen)

The German international is one of two Bayer Leverkusen players Chelsea scouts watched in the Champions League in midweek. Bellarabi, 24, is a pacey winger who has scored an impressive seven goals and added five assists for Leverkusen this season. With Mohamed Salah failing to get into the first team, Bellarabi might be seen as a perfect replacement for the Egyptian.

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Chelsea: The players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month

Hakan Calhanoglu (Bayer Leverkusen)

The other Leverkusen player Chelsea scouts watched is a Turkish international born in Germany; the 20-year-old playmaker has also impressed for Roger Schmidt's team with six goals and four assists this season. Like Bellarabi, he would be considered one for the future rather than a first-team regular straight away.

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Chelsea: The players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month

Anderson Talisca (Benfica)

Chelsea were interested in the 20-year-old Brazilian in the summer but would not have been able to get a work permit for the former Bahia forward. He has flourished at Benfica, with nine goals this season with the club six points clear at the top of the Prineira Liga. Unlikely to move in January but a long-term target.

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Chelsea: The players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month

Munir El Haddadi (Barcelona)

The brilliant teenager is unlikely to be allowed to leave Barcelona as he likely has a bright future ahead. At just 19 has become a regular on the bench and in the first team for Luis Enrique.

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Chelsea: The players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month

Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina)

One of the hits of the 2014 World Cup, Cuadrado has put himself firmly on the radar of a number of clubs including Chelsea. Wolfsburg's reported interest in Andre Schurrle could lead to the Blues moving for Cuadrado to replace the German, but if Schurrle stays then any deal in January is unlikely.

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DEAL OFF...

Cardiff have opted not to take Chelsea youngster Islam Feruz on loan. The Scotland Under-21 player went for a week's trial with the Championship club, but manager Russel Slade revealed he had opted not to keep him. "We've made a decision on Islam and he's gone back to Chelsea," Slade told Wales Online.

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