Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has suggested that there will be activity during the January transfer window as he looks to build a side capable of challenging for major honours.

The former Liverpool boss has been tasked with turning around the fortunes of a club which has made some unwanted history by becoming the first winners of the Champions League to exit in the group stages the following season.

Rafa Benitez
Rafa Benitez speaks during a press conference at the Club World Cup [Reuters]

After a nightmare start to life at Chelsea, in which Benitez oversaw two draws and a 3-1 loss to West Ham, recent weeks have shown that this side can still be a threat after victories over Norrdsjaeland, Sunderland and Monterrey in the Club World Cup.

In that time Chelsea have managed to score 12 goals and have conceded just three, while there has also been a slight revival in the form of Fernando Torres who has five goals in three games.

Despite this upturn in results, Benitez has hinted that fans should expect a surprise or two in the winter transfer window.

"The club is working and always looking for good players, so we'll see if there are any surprises," said Benitez, as quoted in the Metro.

The Blues boss did not reveal the areas the club are looking to strengthen, but did talk about the cruciate ligament injury sustained by defensive midfielder Oriol Romeu.

"Oriol Romeu was bad news and we weren't expecting something so serious," added Benitez. 'He'll be fine for the future, he's a young player."

Benitez had played the Spanish midfielder in recent games and the fact that he has been ruled out for the rest of the season could be a blow for Chelsea.

Should they look to find a replacement then the Metro believes they may turn their attention back to long-term target Cheick Tiote of Newcastle.