მდგომ Chelsea are in talks to sign Danny Welbeck from Brighton and are reportedly also targeting Jordan Henderson. The pair, 35 and 36 years old respectively, have emerged as surprise candidates to bolster Xabi Alonso's squad.

Welbeck scored 13 Premier League goals in 37 matches last season and has a year remaining on his deal. Brighton are understood to be willing to release the striker for the right price, and optimism is high that a deal can be reached.

Henderson, a former Liverpool captain, made 34 appearances for Brentford last season and was part of England's World Cup squad. He has a year left on his contract and could leave on a free transfer after a broken arm incident over advertising hoardings.

A Welbeck deal would increase uncertainty for Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson, with Delap's £30 million move from Ipswich and Jackson's loan to Bayern drawing interest from Aston Villa.