Chelsea are reportedly still interested in Bayer Leverkusen forward Andre Schürrle, according to the Mirror, and the Blues could make an official approach in the January transfer window. The reigning European champions were strongly linked with a move for the German international in the summer but failed to agree terms with his club, after a £25m bid was rejected.

Andre Schurrle
Reuters

However, with £50m Spanish striker still struggling and the club's interest in Atletico Madrid's Colombian striker Radamel Falcao yet to lead to anything concrete, the 22 year old German may be the perfect alternative. The Blues have struggled to score goals in recent games (only two in the last five) and the lack of replacements for a seemingly perennially misfiring Torres is beginning to hurt the club.

It is believed Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had scouts at Leverkusen's superb 4-1 defeat of Werder Bremen at the Weserstadion on Wednesday.

The Blues are desperately in need of reinforcements up front, with only youngster Daniel Sturridge an option for new coach Rafa Benitez. However, the 23 year old England international has not been a regular starter this season, with six of his seven Premier League appearances coming from the bench. In addition, Sturridge has been linked with a move to Liverpool by the Daily Mail, although with an ex-Reds boss at the helm of Stamford Bridge now, that move may be in jeopardy.

The lack of strikers at the club forced former boss Roberto Di Matteo to bench an out-of-form Torres in favour of a Barcelona-like false nine system, with Brazilian Oscar, Spaniard Juan Mata and Belgian Eden Hazard occupying the front line. Unfortunately for the Italian that backfired... the Blues lost 3-0 away to Serie A champions Juventus and the manager lost his job.

Meanwhile, The Sun has linked Chelsea with a move for £6m-rated Brazilian midfielder Bernard. The 20 year old presently plays for Atleticio Mineiro in the Brasileirão Petrobras and comes recommended by former Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Deco. Bernard is being viewed as a long-term replacement for veteran England and Chelsea star Frank Lampard, who is expected to leave in the summer.