Transfer speculation continues to mount as El Hadji Malick Diouf has been linked in recent days with a move to Chelsea. The defender, currently playing for Brentford, could add a new dimension to the squad if the rumoured interest turns into an official approach before the end of the transfer window. Chelsea remain optimistic, but the deal is not without hurdles. Liverpool, Brentford and Manchester United continue to monitor developments and could yet re-enter the race if negotiations stall or valuation gaps remain unresolved. This season (26/27) Chelsea have shipped 15 goals in 9 matches - 1.67 a game, which is well above the Premier League average. El Hadji Malick Diouf would be expected to come in and help tighten things up at the back. Speculation continues to connect Chelsea with Aleksey Batrakov, Pharrel Nnamdi Collins and Harrison Armstrong while no fresh rumours surround Brentford. Need more Chelsea transfer rumours? Stay tuned to PlayerSwitch for live transfer news and rumours from across the world of football.