Chelsea are scouting a raft of English players ahead of the January market.
The Daily Mail says the struggling Blues have a long-term strategy which will prompt a shift of focus in the transfer market.
Aston Villa's Jack Grealish is understood to be high on the list of potential targets, along with Tottenham's Danny Rose and Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles.
John Stones of Everton remains a priority, while Crystal Palace stalwart Scott Dann has been identified as someone who could come in and do a job straight away.
The report also claims Real Madrid's Raphael Varane is another option at the back if the club decide to look abroad for reinforcements.