Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas admits he needs a new midfield signing.
The new manager also wants to sign another midfielder and though a further bid for Luka Modric is expected by August 31, Villas-Boas will seek alternatives if a deal cannot be done for the Tottenham player.
He said: "The sense of urgency in midfield is there, to be fair, and I cannot go further than that. It's the reality.
"We play 4-3-3, we have a squad of 25. For you to prepare for a game, you need at least six midfielders. We only have four."
With Michael Essien ruled out until Christmas and John Mikel Obi suffering from an ankle injury, West Ham United's Scott Parker, who has played for Chelsea, could be an option.
