Chelsea are considering a surprise loan move for 36-year-old Stoke City striker Peter Crouch.
The Blues are looking at options amid concerns their prime initial target, West Ham striker Andy Carroll, will be out for a few months with an ankle injury.
The Stamford Bridge club only want a short-term deal as they will consider other transfer targets in the summer.
Stoke will not let Crouch go without finding a replacement.
The Blues are also keeping an eye on Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke, despite his lack of goals in the Premier League this season.