Mauricio Pochettino responds to rumours Chelsea want to sign Jhon Duran or Callum Wilson

The Blues appear to be in the market for a new frontman (Picture: Getty Images)

Mauricio Pochettino has played coy on rumours linking Chelsea with a late swoop for a new striker but says the club are working ‘really hard’ behind the scenes to strengthen the squad.

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The west Londoners have the second biggest Expected Goals underperformance in the Premier League, having netted just 35 times despite boasting an xG of 44.01 – meaning they have scored nine goals less than they should have, statistically speaking.

With Armando Broja having netted just once in the league this season and seemingly surplus to requirements, Chelsea have been increasingly linked with a move for a new forward.

One name in the frame is Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, who has found game time limited due to the presence of Ollie Watkins and is yet to start a league match this season.

Chelsea’s recruitment team are thought to be big fans of the 20-year-old, who cost £18million when he left MLS side Chicago Fire last January, but he is not the only name on the Blues’ radar.

Newcastle United are believed to be under pressure to sell players this month in order to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, with Callum Wilson one of several big names they are prepared to cash in on.

The 31-year-old is available for around £18m and that bargain price has alerted Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and others.

Wilson could be on the move before the window closes (Picture: Getty)

While Pochettino did not confirm interest in either forward, he did intimate that the club are still looking to do business in the coming days and will communicate if and when any deal gets over the line.

Asked directly about the links with Duran and Wilson and whether he wants to sign a new striker before the window closes, Pochettino replied: ‘Well I think we are listening to too many rumours, you know?

‘Player in, player out, like in other clubs. At the moment, nothing to say.

‘We work really hard about different things, different areas, but I think at the moment nothing to communicate.

‘We will communicate if something happens in the next few days.’

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Asked if he is hopeful of bringing in reinforcements before the window closes, and whether he feels new additions are needed, Pochettino continued: ‘No, not really.

‘The spirit to win the title, but not the spirit to sign players!

‘I am happy with the squad, I am so happy with the players that we have.

‘And then, of course, if something happens, because you know very well – and we know very well – that always the last week is the most dangerous week.

‘We need to be ready for anything that can happen with the squad.’

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