Chelsea defender targets: Top 5

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has admitted the Blues are looking to recruit a new central defender.

The Stamford Bridge club are looking like drifting into a defensive personnel crisis after Branislav Ivanovic was injured against Tottenham.

They are already missing David Luiz through injury and Alex frozen out after making a transfer request, the Portuguese has limited options.

“We are in the market for another centre-half and we have to respond quickly when the transfer window opens,” he said.

With the January transfer window opening imminently, we here at GMF are reviewing the options for Villas-Boas’ shopping list.

We will be looking at whom Chelsea might sign, whom they have been linked with and one or two dream signings.

Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers

Bolton boss Owen Coyle has recently admitted the two clubs are in talks over the England international. An energetic and committed defender, Cahill would be something of a John Terry Mach II and should fit in well.

Verdict: Likely

Diego Godin, Atletico Madrid

The Uruguayan has been linked with Chelsea in recent weeks and expressed openness to a move to Chelsea one day. Quick and composed, Godin was very impressive in Uruguay’s Copa America triumph.

Verdict: Possible

Fabricio Coloccini, Newcastle United

The Argentinian defender was extremely effective during the Magpies’ early good run this season. There have been rumblings over a new contract and Coloccini refusing to sign one, which has sparked talk of a transfer in the near future.

Verdict: Unlikely

Mehdi Benatia, Udinese

The 24-year-old Moroccan has been linked with a number of clubs in the past few weeks, after a number of slick displays in the middle of the Italian side’s defence. Said to be worth around £10million, Benatia has expressed a desire to leave but doesn’t think it will happen in January.

Verdict: Long shot

Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund

The German centre-half has been in exceptional form the past two seasons and was instrumental on BVB winning the Bundesliga title last year. Chelsea would love to sign the Germany international, but his club are very unlikely to let him go cheaply or any time in the near future.

Verdict: In your dreams

Do you agree with the choice above? If not, let us know by leaving a comment below…