Chelsea are keen to set up a loan deal for West Ham striker Andy Carroll.

The need for a striker who can relieve the burden on Alvaro Morata has become pressing and Carroll is now being actively discussed.

The Telegraph says the Geordie is the surprise name on the list of strikers Chelsea have held talks over and may yet prove to be the most attainable this month. Blues boss Antonio Conte is also an admirer of Red Star Belgrade's Richmond Boakye and Crystal Palace's Christian Benteke.

West Ham would be interested in taking Michy Batshuayi on a loan exchange, but, even if they cannot persuade the Belgian to move to the London Stadium, the Hammers might be tempted into getting Carroll, who earns £90,000-a-week, off their wage bill.

The Blues are also looking for a left-sided player in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.