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Five players who could leave Chelsea

Sports Mole picks out five players who could depart Stamford Bridge during the summer after the return of Jose Mourinho.

Ever since Jose Mourinho agreed to make his anticipated return to Stamford Bridge, speculation has been rife regarding who will form his first-team squad at Chelsea next season.

The Portuguese coach has already made his impact since leaving Real Madrid by completing the signings of Andre Schurrle, Marco van Ginkel and Mark Schwarzer.

Below, Sports Mole has selected five players who could be making their way out of the exit door at the West London outfit.


New Chelsea striker Demba Ba celebrates his second debut goal at Southampton on January 5, 2013© AP Photos
Demba Ba

Demba Ba only completed a move to Chelsea from Newcastle United during the January transfer window, but it appears as though he could already be ready to depart the Europa League winners.

The Senegal international has been less than prolific during his short spell in London, scoring six goals in 22 appearances.

That has resulted in Mourinho targeting an array of world-class strikers from around Europe, but he could be forced to sell before anyone arrives at the club.

That could see Ba move to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, who are reported to be preparing a bid, while West Bromwich Albion have been linked with a loan deal for the 28-year-old.


Ref Kevin Friend has a word with Mikel© PA Photos
John Obi Mikel

Ever since his arrival at Stamford Bridge in 2006, John Obi Mikel has been a regular fixture in the centre of Chelsea's midfield.

However, the Nigerian international spent the second half of last season on the periphery of the starting lineup and that could have encouraged Mikel to seek pastures new this summer.

With Michael Essien back with the squad after a successful loan period with Real Madrid and the incoming of Van Ginkel, Chelsea need to make space in their squad and that could mean the 26-year-old being considered expendable.

Mikel was linked with a transfer to Galatasaray last month, while he would expect to attract plenty of interest with some of the major clubs in Europe.


Victor Moses celebrates scoring for Chelsea© PA Photos
Victor Moses

Victor Moses became a key member of the squad at Stamford Bridge last season after joining the club from Wigan Athletic.

While he scored just once in the Premier League, he played an important role in Chelsea's run to the Europa League final.

However, after the arrival of Schurrle, Moses could soon find himself as a fringe player under Mourinho, which might see the former Crystal Palace player seek a temporary move elsewhere.

New Everton boss Roberto Martinez, under whom Moses played at Wigan, is reportedly keen on taking the Nigerian international to Goodison Park.


Chelsea's Fernando Torres celebrates moments after scoring the opening goal against Benfica on May 15, 2013© PA Photos
Fernando Torres

The future of Fernando Torres has long been a hot topic of conversation at Stamford Bridge ever since his poor form during the first 18 months after his arrival from Liverpool.

The 29-year-old netted a total of just 12 goals during that time, but he did score 22 times in 64 appearances last season.

However, despite reportedly being reassured about his future, offers in excess of £15m could be considered for the Spanish international.

Arsenal are one club who have been talked about as a possible destination, while Torres would not be opposed with a return to his homeland.


Chelsea's David Luiz celebrates his free-kick against Aston Villa on December 23, 2012© PA Photos
David Luiz

Immediately after Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge, it was suggested that the former Real Madrid coach was not a fan of David Luiz.

That resulted in speculation of a big-money move to Barcelona, while Paris Saint-Germain were reportedly prepared to bid for the Brazilian centre-back.

Talk of a move has cooled in recent weeks, but it would come as no surprise if Europe's big names did not return with significant offers before the end of the transfer window.

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