Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their bid to bolster the squad next month after Brendan Rodgers "categorically" ruled out depatures.

The Blues are free to spend in the new year after seeing their transfer embargo reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). It means Frank Lampard will be able to stamp his mark on the squad for the first time since taking the reins at Stamford Bridge in the summer.

The Chelsea manager has already drawn up a list of transfer targets, with a budget of up to £150million to spend on reinforcements.

The club are keeping tabs on both Jadon Sancho and Wilfried Zaha as Lampard aims to fill the void left by Eden Hazard's departure in the summer, but he is also keen to add to his defence.

England international Chilwell has been identified as a possible option at left-back, but Leicester boss Rodgers has thrown a spanner in Chelsea's plans even before the window has opened.

“There’ll be no-one leaving in January. Categorically," said the Leicester boss.

“I’m sure if we speak (to the hierarchy), they will have the same message.

“I speak regularly with Jon [Rudkins] and Top [Khun Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha]. It’s very clear we want to keep this squad together. We want to ensure they stay around beyond January.”