Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is prepared to spend big in January to rescue their season.
The Daily Mail says Abramovich will make funds available to Antonio Conte as the Chelsea manager looks to solve the defensive crisis that has blighted their season so far.
The usually ruthless Russian tycoon is said to be sympathetic towards his latest manager, who has seen his side slump to two consecutive Premier League defeats, thanks largely to the team's defensive deficiencies.
Having failed to land his first-choice defensive targets in the summer, Conte's current back-four does not have the personnel he envisaged in pre-season - a failing the Blues owner is aware of.
Conte and his staff have privately acknowledged his side's defensive options need replenishing during the next two transfer windows.