FRANK LAMPARD might soon have a much stronger side at his disposal if Chelsea's transfer ban is lifted ahead of the winter transfer window.
SunSport have revealed that the Blues will pursue £80million-rated Wilfried Zaha in January – with Crystal Palace chiefs open to revisit his sale next year.
Chelsea are confident they can still escape the ban and will be able to strengthen their squad come New Year.
And that could trigger a massive spending spree at Stamford Bridge after the Blues were unable to make any new signings this summer.
Lampard couldn't replace either Eden Hazard or David Luiz, leaving his squad short of options in certain areas ahead of the 2019/20 season.
But Chelsea are ready to launch an £80m bid for Zaha in January to fill the Belgian's shoes once the ban is lifted.
The Eagles star could link-up with wantaway Inter ace and long-term Blues transfer target Mauro Icardi, who again found himself frozen out of the squad at San Siro following the arrival of Antonio Conte.
While Philippe Coutinho might finally end his Barcelona nightmare and find refuge at Stamford Bridge after failing to leave the La Liga champions this summer.
BACK AKE
Lampard's midfield does not appear to require any urgent tinkering with the sudden emergence of Ross Barkley.
The England international seems ready to take charge in the middle of the park, accompanied by N'Golo Kante and Jorginho.
But Chelsea could patch things up in the defence by bringing back Nathan Ake, with the Blues reportedly having a £40m buy-back clause in his deal with Bournemouth.
That's some £35m less than Cherries chiefs demanded from Leicester for the Holland centre-back this summer.
Ake could partner Antonio Rudiger at the heart of Chelsea's defence, with Emerson and Reece James starting as full-backs.
The Blues are believed to have rebuffed numerous approaches for the young English right-back, who impressed on loan at Wigan last season.
And Lampard is said to be preparing James for a big role at Stamford Bridge once he regains full fitness following his ankle injury.
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