Joe Hart's future remains totally unclear, with the England number one currently on loan in Serie A with Torino from parent club Manchester City.
The 29-year-old has been strongly linked with a permanent move to Liverpool, but now it seems that Chelsea are seemingly prepared to challenge the Reds for Hart's signature, with Thibaut Courtois' future also hanging in the balance, according tothe Mirror.
The Belgian stopper is reportedly keen on moving back to the Spanish capital, having spent three seasons on loan with Atletico Madrid in the past, but a move to city rivals Real Madrid is what is next on the cards for the 24-year-old.
That would leave the Blues without a first choice keeper and Hart's wealth of experience would make him an exceptional choice to replace Courtois, if the Real Madrid rumours are to be believed.
Liverpool transfer news: Chelsea ready to rival Jurgen Klopp for Joe Hart https://t.co/cuAI95bnwy pic.twitter.com/1zuJ3pNo41
On the other hand, Liverpool are also keeping close tabs on the Joe Hart situation with summer capture Loris Karius hardly instilling a sense of security to the Reds' back line. The young German stopper has replaced Simon Mignolet as Jurgen Klopp's number one goalie, but a string of dodgy performances, culminating in the collapse at Bournemouth, has raised questions over Karius' capability in the Premier League.
Wrapped all of your Christmas gifts yet? We put the wrapping skills of Joe Hart and @WayneRooney to the test... � https://t.co/Ao0EUHYlQn
Hart himself would be expected to favour a move back to the Premier League, although Torino are expected to make a bid of their own if Manchester City start to consider offers for the goalkeeper.
City boss Pep Guardiola made his feelings very clear about Hart over the summer and brought in Barcelona stopper Claudio Bravo to be his number one due to his ball playing qualities. The Citizens faithful were largely unhappy with the decision to send Hart away, but loyalties now lie with the club, and effectively Guardiola.