Chelsea's January move for Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain fell through because the Blues could not guarantee the Argentine a starting role, according to reports.
The Daily Mail is reporting Chelsea were prepared to fork out £40million for Higuain during last month's transfer window, but failed to land the striker because Blues boss Guus Hiddink was unwilling to guarantee the 28-year-old he would be first choice ahead of Diego Costa.
Costa has scored seven goals in his last eight Premier League appearances for Chelsea.
It is understood Higuain, who has scored 24 Serie A goals for Napoli this season, was one of a handful of strikers the Blues made enquiries about during the transfer window.