Andy Carroll is the shock name on Chelsea’s list of targets for January.
Antonio Conte is looking for back-up to support Alvaro Morata and is considering the West Ham striker.
Carroll, who has just one full season left on his Hammers contract, is also on Southampton’s hit-list as they look to cover for the injured Charlie Austin.
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The 28-year-old spoke of his frustration at being a bit-part player after he scored twice in the win against West Brom this week.
He said: “It’s been very frustrating. I’ve been sitting on the bench – it’s been tough. I’ve been wanting to play.
“I’ve been wanting to get there and start. It’s hard when you’re coming on for the last 20 minutes.
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“When I have been I have probably been making an impact but it’s not really what I want to do, I don’t want to be an impact player coming off the bench.”
Conte missed out on a targetman in the summer when Fernando Llorente moved to Tottenham from Chelsea.
And without an adequate back-up he has gone without a striker recently when Morata has been absent.
Michy Batshuayi was on the bench against Huddersfield, Southampton and Everton, with Conte prepared to let the Belgium striker leave on loan.
Carroll did not start a game in December but was given his chance against West Brom this week and scored both goals in the 2-1 win, including a dramatic last-gasp winner.
His brace against the Baggies meant all eyes are on whether he starts against Tottenham tonight in West Ham’s second game in three days.