Chelsea transfer news: The latest headlines and gossip from the January window with Enzo Fernandez updates and Champions League registrations

Hope Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea have not been able to sign their dream midfielder this month despite talks with Enzo Fernandez breaking down a few weeks ago. The 22-year-old appears to be close to joining but no fee has been agreed with Benfica.

His Benfica manager, Roger Schmidt, has publicly said the case is closed and no deal is due this month, but given the Blues’ need for a new midfielder, that cannot be ruled out.

Graham Potter is looking to overhaul the infield as it has been largely neglected in recent years and Fernandez is seen as the man to do just that.

According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, things are not as clouded as they seem. He said: “People I spoke to in Portugal who have close ties with Benfica, told me it doesn’t feel over, just because their heads turned early in the window.”

Champions League registration

There is no guarantee that any of Chelsea’s new winter signings will be able to play in the Champions League this season. The Blues face Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 but face a tough decision on who they can rely on.

Champions League rules allow the club to register three new players in time for the knockout stage and Potter currently has 24 A-list players.

Eight spots in the squad are reserved for locally coached players, while four are allowed to be association-trained players. This makes players from abroad very vulnerable given the profile of Chelsea’s players so far.

Gallagher’s decision

Chelsea appear to be making a big decision regarding the future of Conor Gallagher. The midfielder starred for his former club at the weekend but still has uncertainty at Stamford Bridge, football.london understands.

He has struggled for a place in the squad this season but remains a regular replacement option for Potter. With an established pedigree as a Premier League player now, featuring for a third successive season in the top flight, Gallagher has once again caught the eye of Newcastle and Crystal Palace.

“I think he’s fantastic; great energy and great quality,” Potter said after Sunday’s 1-0 win. “He’s playing against a team he respects and likes a lot.”