Chelsea are chasing Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain for the winter market. The Daily Star says Chelsea are preparing a £30m offer for Higuain.

The London club are ready to move in January in a bid to boost their strike force. Rookie boss Andre Villas-Boas has severe concerns over misfiring hitman Fernando Torres.

There has been no official contact between Chelsea and Real Madrid over a possible transfer. But it is understood that the Blues have made their interest known.

A source close to the player said: "Higuain is unhappy at being left out all of the time. He wants to fight for the title but was on the bench against Barcelona at the weekend when Real lost 3-1 and he knows where his place is now.

"He would be interested in what people have to say to him."