Chelsea 'draw up three-man midfielder shortlist'

Chelsea have reportedly identified three midfielders that they could sign in the January transfer window, with N'Golo Kante continuing to struggle with injuries this season.

Kante has missed his side's last four Premier League games through injury, while the Frenchman was also absent earlier this season due to a groin problem.

According to football.london, Chelsea have drawn up a three-man midfielder shortlist, with the Blues keen to boost their options in that area of the field at the start of 2022.

The report claims that Franck Kessie - out of contract at AC Milan next June - is a target, while Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi is viewed as a possible acquisition in January.

Monaco's Aurelien Tchouameni is also believed to be on the shortlist, with the Frenchman impressing for club and country in the opening months of the 2021-22 campaign.

While Leicester and Monaco will fight to keep hold of Ndidi and Tchouameni in the winter transfer window, Milan could be forced to sell Kessie due to his contract situation at San Siro.