CHELSEA are confident their transfer ban will be lifted and are preparing to sign players in January.
Frank Lampard has made a back-up striker to Tammy Abraham his top target, with Bournemouth star Callum Wilson and RB Leipzig hitman Timo Werner both on the clubs radar.
Fifa banned Chelsea from making signings for two transfer windows last summer and this January after a probe into their recruitment of foreign players under the age of 18.
SunSport understands the clubs legal team believe that the Court of Arbitration for Sport will suspend or even quash the second one of those.
New evidence has been presented in their defence for an appeal, as well as an argument based on Manchester City escaping punishment for similar infringements.
Also on Chelseas wish-list is a winger to replace Willian, who has failed to agree a new contract and could leave for free next summer.
Lampard and his staff are preparing a list of potential recruits in the event of the transfer ban being lifted.
The Stamford Bridge boss is determined to stick with his philosophy of playing young English players but is realistic about where he could strengthen the squad.
The Blues are willing to invest in Lamps judgement after a positive start to the season and have made funds available.
France striker Olivier Giroud a target for Crystal Palace will be allowed to leave in the new year if the ban is scrapped, freeing up funds and a squad place.
