The four most likely Chelsea transfers in and out before the January window deadline

Long-serving midfielder Lewis Baker departed to join Championship club Stoke City earlier this month but that remains the only business in or out of Stamford Bridge.

Crazy things can happen on deadline day, mind, and there could yet be some last minute drama at Chelsea before the end of the month.

Here’s a look at the four most likely ins and outs and SW6 before the transfer window shuts next Monday.

Centre-back a target for Spanish giants

The future of German defender Antonio Rudiger has been the source of much speculation as he enters the final six months of his current deal.

Speaking about his situation, Rudiger told Sky Sports: ‘I’m fully committed like always, down for the cause.

“At the end of the day, talks are between my side and the club.

“Yes, I find it easy to do (keep out talk of his future) because these are not only words that I’m saying, that I’m fully committed here to the cause. I think I’ve always shown it.”

Rudiger has been a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans this season and has made 31 appearances in all competitions during the campaign.

However, with a new deal no closer to an agreement, Rudiger is now 14/1 to join Real Madrid with SkyBet.

The likes of Manchester United, PSG and Bayern Munich have all been linked - although a summer move seems more likely.

Former favourite to return?

It is safe to say Eden Hazard has experienced an underwhelming spell at Real Madrid since he left Stamford Bridge in a £103million move in July 2019.

The Belgian winger has made just over 60 appearances in across two and a half seasons as injuries hampered his attempts to settle in the Spanish capital.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move to bring Hazard back to the Premier League - but it is former club Chelsea that have rated as 8/1 favourites to secure his services this month.

Speaking last summer, Hazard said: “I still have a three-year contract with Real Madrid, so going back to England is out of the question.

“Everyone knows that my first two years were not good, so first I want to prove myself at Real Madrid. I will do everything to do that.

“I certainly don’t see myself leaving Madrid, given the contract situation.

“I know myself and I know when I’m in shape. If that’s the case, I can give it my all for Real next season. That’s my plan.”

Toffees return for Barkley?

Another player being linked with a return to a former club is Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley.

The 28-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge from Everton in a £15million deal just over four years ago and has endured a mixed time in London.

Barkley spent the majority of the 2020/21 season on loan at Aston Villa and has made just 12 appearances for the Blues since his return.

The likes of Newcastle, Leeds United and Burnley have been linked with a move for the England midfielder this month - but it is former club Everton that are 3/1 favourites to complete a move for Barkley.

However, the current managerial situation at Goodison Park could complication any potential deal before the end of the window.

Barcelona dispute could open the door for winger to move

A long-running contract dispute has thrown Ousmane Dembélé’s future into doubt at Barcelona.

Speaking as recently as last week, Barca manager Xavi said: “The message is clear.

“Ousmane Dembélé has to sign a new contract or we find a way to sell him in January. No other way.

“I also wonder why the agent is talking the way he is and Dembélé, on the other hand, telling me he wants to stay. I can’t understand.

“We can’t wait for Ousmane, he renews the contract or a solution to sell him must be found immediately.

“I don’t consider sending him to stands. He says he wants to stay but then he doesn’t sign”.

An agreement is still yet to be found and SkyBet rate Chelsea at 5/1 to move for Dembele as his future at the Camp Nou remains in doubt.