With Christmas nearly here, Jose Mourinho will surely be contemplating the gifts he could receive from Roman Abramovich come the January transfer window. The Blues are arguably in need of reinforcements, having struggled in a number of areas of late.

Here is a three-strong list of potentially shrewd signings Chelsea could make in January:

1. Xabi Alonso

The Real Madrid man is exactly the type of signing Mourinho should make in January. Inexpensive, experienced, and with international pedigree; Alonso would make a real difference to the sparse central midfield at the Bridge.

Pundits go on about the lack of quality up top for the Blues, but I believe the problem lies elsewhere, with the lack of depth in the Chelsea central midfield.

With the Spaniard currently in the last year of his contract, and rumoured to have decided to leave, the Blues could snap him up for free at the end of the season; or put in a tempting bid to secure his signature in January.

2. Javier Mascherano

Yet another central midfielder for me here, with Argentine bruiser Mascherano another potentially excellent January signing.

There have been whispers of an interest from Jose Mourinho, with the 29-year-old able to fill in at defensive midfield or centre-back if needs be.

With Jon Obi Mikel not up to scratch, and Michael Essien unfortunately a shadow of his former self; it would be smart to bring in further defensive midfield cover. The Blues have been shipping goals recently, and the midfield needs a tune-up.

3. Wayne Rooney

A real long shot here, but Man Utd’s all-action striker is arguably the ideal candidate to lead the line for the Blues. Able to shoot, pass, cross, head, and tackle; Rooney is a complete forward, and one that could be the answer to the striker crisis at the club.

Chelsea had two bids turned down in the summer, but it is very unlikely they would return as soon as January. A summer bid might be the only option, and this would be aided if the 28-year-old continues to hold off contract talks at Old Trafford.

What do you think Who would your ideal signing be for Chelsea Let me know in the comments below…