Chelsea are lining up American midfielder Landon Donovan as a replacement for Joe Cole should he leave in the summer.
Cole's future is up in the air at Stamford Bridge as he has yet to sign a new contract and reports have suggested he could leave on a free transfer when his current contract expires in July.
Manchester United have been strongly linked with a Bosman swoop and Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti is keeping tabs on possible replacements should he leave.
The Italian has been impressed with the performances of Donovan while on loan at Everton from MLS side LA Galaxy and a swoop could be on the cards.
Donovan is due to return to America on March 15th but he could be returning to England in the summer if Ancelotti gets his way.