Chelsea identify two targets as Frank Lampard plots full-back overhaul
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard wants to strengthen his full-back options when the club’s transfer ban ends.
The Blues are prohibited from registering new players for two windows after breaking FIFA rules regarding the purchase of foreign players under the age of 18.
Chelsea are currently banned from making new signings until next summer, although some club officials are hopeful that the suspension could be reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
If they are permitted to make acquisitions in January, Chelsea will target Nice right-back Youcef Atal, according to Calcio Mercato.
The Algerian enjoyed an excellent season in Ligue 1 last time out and is also thought to be on Valencia’s wish list.
And according to Soccerlink, Chelsea could also launch a move for Valencia left-back Jose Gaya whenever their ban expires.
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Greg Lea is a freelance football journalist who's filled in wherever FourFourTwo needs him since 2014. He became a Crystal Palace fan after watching a 1-0 loss to Port Vale in 1998, and once got on the scoresheet in a primary school game against Wilfried Zaha's Whitehorse Manor (an own goal in an 8-0 defeat).