Benitez hints at January signings

Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez has suggested the European champions could turn to the transfer market in January to reinforce their squad.

The interim manager spoke cryptically when speaking on the matter while in Japan as the side compete for the FIFA Club World Cup but would not be drawn on speculation.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have been linked with experienced Premier League players such as Newcastle’s Cheikh Tiote and Everton’s Marouane Fellaini and they have also been heavily tipped to move for Atletico Madrid superstar Radamel Falcao.

“We’ll see if there are any surprises,” Benitez told reporters.

“The club is working and always looking for good players, so we’ll see if there are any surprises.”

The 52-year-old Spaniard will be without John Obi Mikel throughout January on account of the Africa Cup of Nations, as well as Oriol Romeu who was ruled out for the rest of the season following a knee injury sustained against Sunderland.

The former Liverpool and Inter Milan boss also expressed his surprise at the extent of the youngster’s injury.

“Oriol Romeu was bad news and we weren’t expecting something so serious,” he said.

“He’ll be fine for the future, he’s a young player.”