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Chelsea have alerted leading agents that they expect to be back in transfer business in the January window.

They were hit with a ban of two windows after being found guilty of breaking regulations over signing players under the age of 18.

Chelsea have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to have the ban reduced to the one window they have already served.

And they will point to Manchester City escaping a suspension last month after admitting breaking similar rules.

Although Chelsea won’t officially comment on their strategy for the appeal it hasn’t stopped them having talks with leading agents over signings in January.

(Image: Getty Images)

One said: “Chelsea are anxious to strengthen their squad and seem pretty confident that they will win the appeal and be able to trade again in January.

“It could mean the difference to them finishing in the Premier League top four and qualifying for the Champions League.”

New manager Frank Lampard has promoted youth with the result that his side languish in 11th place after the opening four games.