Chelsea is reported to be in pole position to sign Portuguese Joao Moutinho as cover for Michael Essien, while their pursuit of Luka Modric may not be over.
The London-based club are in the market for at least a midfielder following the unfortunate injury to the Ghana international which is feared to keep him out of action for the whole season.
Essien, 28, has a history of setbacks in that department having sustained the dreaded cruciate ligament damage in 2008, leading to a six-month layoff, and missed last year's World Cup because of another problem, fuelling the early assumption he will be out for a while.
Moutinho however has been most prominently linked with a move to Stamford Bridge to ensure that Essien's anticipated absence doesn't halt the Blues' bid to win both the Premiership and the Champions League.
Porto is demanding a reported £35m for the services of the 24-year-old, an amount Chelsea would do well to pay considering the desperate state of their midfield.
However, the Blues also have another option to intensify their efforts to sign Tottenham's Croatian sensation Lika Modric who would cost less.