Chelsea are yet to reach an agreement in their attempts to sign Edin Dzeko from Roma and will consider alternatives before Wednesday’s deadline.
Antonio Conte had identified Dzeko as the type of striker who could give the Premier League champions a lift in the second half of the season.
Chelsea however have been reluctant to sanction a heavy investment in a player who will be 32 next month.
Dzeko’s contract in the Italian capital has two-and-a-half years left and the Serie A club want more than £25million as they attempt to satisfy Financial Fair Play demands.