Should Serbian defender Slobodan Rajkovic fail to get his work permit, then it is expected that Chelsea will make a move for Birmingham defender Scott Dann.
Rajkovic was initially signed by the Blues back in 2007, from Serbian club OFK Belgrade – he has since been sent on loan Dutch clubs FC Twente, PSV Eindhoven and Vitesse Arnhem in attempt to become eligible to play in England.
He is currently back at Stamford Bridge and part of the Asian pre-season tour.
The highly rated 22-year-old is expected to be a regular feature in the first-team if he gets his permit, should this not be the case then Andre Villas-Boas will need to look for a new centre-back.
Birmingham player Dann, is one option thought to appeal to the Portuguese tactician, but would face competition from Liverpool – a club he has supported since a boy.
By Scott Balaam
Twitter @theshed11