Chelsea Transfer News: Schurrle, Remy, Essien and Sturridge Involved in Deadline Day Speculation

While the Chelsea squad prepare for the Uefa Super Cup in Monaco on Friday, those behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge are still actively trying to add to their squad before the 11 p.m. BST deadline. The priority for the Blues is believed to be bringing in a player in to provide cover and competition for Fernando Torres. Currently Daniel Sturridge, who has spent most of his career as a wide forward, is the only other established option for Roberto Di Matteo in a central striking role.

After chasing him for much of the summer, Chelsea are thought to be launching one last attempt to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Andre Schurrle. Having already had a £16 million offer rejected, The Guardian reports that Chelsea will make a bid of £20 million before the window closes.

Leverkusen have repeatedly said that they have no intention of selling the German international this summer and, with no time to bring in a replacement, it seems unlikely that that they will accept the improved offer.

Schurrle, 21, has spent much of his time deployed on the left of the attack, but has also operated as a main striker.

According to The Guardian, if Schurrle does arrive then Sturridge will be allowed to leave on-loan. The England international has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool in recent days.

Schurrle is not the only forward to be linked with a move to Chelsea on deadline day. France-based football writer Matt Spiro reported that the Blues have joined the race to sign Marseille's Loic Remy. According to Spiro, Manchester City and Tottenham are also interested in the France international, with Spurs reluctant to pay the €20 million (£16m) asking price.

The 25-year-old is capable of operating either as a right-sided forward or in a central striking role.

Chelsea have also had to field interest for midfielder Michael Essien on Friday. The Daily Telegraph reports that Arsenal have made an offer to taker the Ghanaian on loan for the rest of the season, while the Daily Mail claims Everton have had a similar offer rejected.

The 29-year-old was once seen as an essential member of Chelsea's first team, but has yet to make an appearance for the club so far this season. A string of several injuries appear to have hindered the dynamism that once made Essien one of the world's leading midfielders.

However, with no time to bring in a replacement, Chelsea are unlikely to want to lose Essien at this stage.

In other deadline day news, Thorgan Hazard has move on-loan to Belgian side Zulte Waregen. The brother of fellow-new signing Eden arrived from Lens earlier in the summer. Chelsea are eager to offload Yossi Benayoun and Florent Malouda. The out-of-favor duo could both leave on loan moves before the deadline and have been left out of the Chelsea party that travelled to Moncao.