Chelsea reach for the chequebook (again) to stop the bleeding… with a striker top of their wanted list in January as club stand by Mauricio Pochettino

Given what’s gone before it is no surprise Chelsea are preparing to put their battered chequebook to use again this month. It’s almost as if spending close to £1billion isn’t enough.

Once more, co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are willing to invest during the January transfer window in hope of rescuing a season that has so far been a huge disappointment – Tuesday night’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg loss to Middlesbrough the latest black mark.

It’s pertinent to stress head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s position is not believed to be under any immediate threat despite the most recent setback.

If possible, Chelsea’s owners would prefer to make it through until at least the end of the season to assess the campaign as a whole before making any judgments about Pochettino’s long-term future.

Indeed, overturn the single goal deficit in the home leg against Michael Carrick’s side in a fortnight’s time and subsequently winning the final would put a more positive spin on Pochettino’s first campaign in charge. They remain in the FA Cup too – though they face Aston Villa in round four. 

Mauricio Pochettino’s position is not believed to be under any immediate threat despite their dismal 1-0 loss against Middlesbrough in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final

That said, not making it to Wembley and a further implosion of their Premier League season could see Chelsea’s owners re-evaluate their plan.

So too could the reaction of supporters if results and performances don’t improve.

For now, though, the club are behind Pochettino and will spend more money in the transfer market in hope of revitalising a team that has looked devoid of fight and spirit far too often.

The Argentine had very little influence on the…