Chelsea could be set to ditch Didier Drogba in the January transfer window and snap up French star Jimmy Briand as his replacement if reports are to be believed.
Scouts have made constant checks on the Stade Rennais hitman who has helped his club to an 13 match unbeaten run.
The 23-year-old could be a Blue if Chelsea stump up the £15m asking fee.
Briand was due to sign for Paris St Germain, but Rennais kept upping their asking price according to PSG owner Charles Villeneuve.
"Only Chelsea or Manchester United could afford him," said Villeneuve.
Drogba is out of Sunday's clash against Arsenal following his well-publicised suspension.
William Gallas will get a mixed reception from the Chelsea fans when he come onto the Chelsea pitch.
There will be many who won't forgive him for his defection to Arsenal while many will feel he has been harshly treated by boss Arsene Wenger by being stripped of the captaincy.