Chelsea news: Blues make shock inquiry for Stoke City forward Peter Crouch

Chelsea have made a surprising inquiry for Stoke City's Peter Crouch as they frantically look to get back-up for out-of-form striker Alvaro Morata.

The story emerges after it was reported that Chelsea target Andy Carroll faced a possible lengthy absence after sustaining an ankle injury.

Antonio Conte's side have thus turned their attention to Crouch, who turns 37 later this month.

The Blues are in a striker crisis with summer signing Morata with no goals in his last six games, while Michy Batshuayi appears to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge with Borussia Dortmund set to land the Belgian.