Andoni Iraola says the noise and speculation over Dean Huijsen’s future has not affected the Bournemouth defender in the slightest and the youngster is fully focused on seeing out a strong end to the season.

The 20-year-old joined from Juventus last year, following a loan spell with Roma. His reported £50million release clause could prove a stumbling block if Chelsea don’t finish in the top five, but they have defensive players who could potentially head in the other direction to help dilute any fee.

The signing of a central defender depends on exits and the club have to fund the purchase of a striker and a right-footed winger too. There are two questions to answer on the issue: why Chelsea are pursuing another player in this position at all and what are the ramifications for those centre-backs at the club?