Mauricio Pochettino insists FFP isn’t a worry for Chelsea as they chase January recruits as he reveals talks over transfer targets with owners

Mauricio Pochettino has denied Financial Fair Play constraints will squeeze Chelsea in the January transfer window as they ‘look for options or opportunities’ to bolster their squad.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final, first leg trip to Middlesbrough, the Chelsea manager insisted they wouldn’t have to sell players before bringing in new recruits.

‘It is not like this. Look, you know there are too many rumours about things going around the clubs,’ Pochettino said.

‘It is not what they [the hierarchy] translate to me. It is not necessary to sell if we want to buy some players.’

Asked if Chelsea were likely to sign a new striker this month, the Argentine added: ‘We are looking [in the transfer market] like other teams for options or opportunities.

The Blues have spent over £1billion in three transfer windows since Todd Boehly arrived

‘But I am so happy because we have [Armando] Broja. We have different players who can play in the striker positions and we need our second-line offensive players to help the team score goals and win games.

‘I am very positive and happy with the squad. If something appears, we will announce.’

Asked how the conversations with Chelsea’s owners went, he added: ‘Really good. We have a good relationship and I think everything is very well.

‘Conversations, normal conversations that we need to have and if something appears, we will say.’

Chelsea have spent over £1billion in just three transfer windows since they were taken over by Todd Boehly.

That includes £115m spent on Moises Caicedo, £106.7m on Enzo Fernandez and £88m on Mykhailo Mudryk.

However, the Blues have tried to balance the books by selling the likes of Kai Havertz to Arsenal for £65m, Mason Mount to Manchester United for £55m and Mateo Kovacic to Man City for £25m.

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