Mourinho Plans Mass January Clearout as Balotelli's Agent Talks Up Chelsea Move

Chelsea players are worried that manager Jose Mourinho is planning to sell several squad members in January as he looks to stamp his mark on the side, while it seems likely that at least one big name will arrive in the same transfer window.

The Mirror reports that a number of first team players are concerned about the rotation policy at Chelsea and our fretting over their future at the club.

Summer signing Samuel Eto'o was unhappy at being dropped after scoring his first goal for the club, while there are still questions marks over whether Juan Mata will be allowed to leave.

Cesar Azpilicueta, Demba Ba, Kevin De Bruyne, John Obi Mikel and Ryan Bertrand have all struggled to make an impact since Mourinho came back to Stamford Bridge and fear that they could be shown the door in January.

"A lot of the lads are in the same boat and are unsure over their places," a Chelsea source told the Mirror. "It doesn't look like Jose has settled on his best team and he is changing things around a lot."

There is sure to be plenty of interest in a number of Chelsea players if they are surplus to requirements and departures could well mean there will be a big name arrival in the new year.

One name which has been mentioned in connection with a possible move to Chelsea is AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

The agent of the former Manchester City striker has been discussing the rumours and believes that Mourinho has a good relationship with the controversial striker from when they worked together at Inter Milan.

"Balotelli and Mourinho could be reunited because they know each other and they didn't leave each other with hate," Mino Raiola told the Evening Standard.

"There was a not very nice incident between them, but they parted company on good terms. They have remained in contact and there is mutual respect.

"I know Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani will not agree, but Mario is a great striker. That is for certain and he could perhaps be that at Chelsea."

AC Milan are struggling in the league this season but they would certainly not want to lose their star striker who only signed for the club in January for £19m.