Chelsea have been told they must wait for Bayer Leverkusen striker Andre Schurrle.
The People says Leverkusen turned down Roman Abramovich's pot of gold for their 22-year-old German international last August.
But Chelsea are sure to renew their interest, with Daniel Sturridge leaving Stamford Bridge for Liverpool.
Blues scouts have watched Schurrle again in recent weeks, but Leverkusen have said no to any move in January as they chase Champions League qualification.
They were second in the Bundesliga going into the winter break, nine points behind runaway leaders Bayern Munich.
Arsenal and reigning German champions Borussia Dortmund are also keen on Schurrle.