Palmer joins Real Madrid as Garnacho deal hijacked - Chelsea's nightmare end to window

Chelsea will be hoping to avoid a disastrous end to the January window, with the Blues still yet to add any players to their squad.

They have been among the Premier League's biggest spenders in recent years but have taken a quieter approach this time around.

Alejandro Garnacho has been linked with a move to west London but a deal has not been forthcoming, with Napoli also said to be keen on a potential move for the winger.

It could be slightly busier for Chelsea in terms of exits, with a number of players tipped to leave Stamford Bridge over the coming days. However, it will be important to avoid losing any of their key assets as they seek a return to the Premier League's top four.

Express Sport examines what a nightmare end to the window could look like for Chelsea...

Palmer joins Real Madrid

Losing their best player with no time to find a replacement would certainly be the worst-case scenario. Cole Palmer's incredible form has prompted speculation that Chelsea could face a battle to keep him from the clutches of Real Madrid.

There is nothing to suggest that Palmer is thinking about leaving, with the forward having recently signed a new deal until 2033. However, ex-Chelsea defender William Gallas has admitted to being worried about the possibility of Real Madrid snapping him up.

Speaking last month, Gallas told Prime Casino: "I think only Real Madrid and Barcelona could tempt Cole Palmer away from Chelsea, and I think he would thrive playing his football in Spain."

A hypothetical move to Real Madrid would be the stuff of nightmares for Chelsea, who would be left scrambling to replace their prized asset in the hours before Monday's deadline.

Garnacho deal hijacked

There is still time for the Blues to firm up their interest in Garnacho, but they are likely to face stiff competition from elsewhere in Europe.

Napoli have also been linked and could deal a significant blow to Chelsea by signing the winger for themselves. Alternatively, he could end up staying at Manchester United to fight for his place under Ruben Amorim.

The west Londoners have been tipped to submit a formal bid for Garnacho before the deadline, with the 20-year-old thought to be valued at around £60million by his current employers.

It would be a shame for Chelsea if he goes elsewhere or stays at Old Trafford, given the ability he possesses and the potential for him to command a huge profit in the future.

Ferguson move falls flat

Chelsea are said to be intensifying their pursuit of Brighton forward Evan Ferguson, who has been heavily linked with a January exit. Enzo Maresca is reportedly eager to sign another striker and is thought to have earmarked the Irishman as a player of interest.

Several other clubs are believed to be in the race, though, meaning there is a possibility that Chelsea will be beaten to his signature. West Ham are said to be weighing up a move of their own with Graham Potter looking to boost his forward line.

If Brighton opt to loan Ferguson out rather than sell him, the prospect of game time will be a factor in deciding where he will go. It seems unlikely that he would be a regular starter at Stamford Bridge given the form Jackson has shown this season.

This could allow the Hammers to muscle in ahead of Chelsea, which would be an embarrassing turn of events for the Blues.