Rafael Benítez revealed he has held discussions with the Chelsea hierarchy over potential January signings but refused to name possible targets ahead of the Blues’ trip to Sunderland on Saturday.
The west Londoners have been linked with a host of players in recent weeks, including the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Willian and sought-after Atletico Madrid forward Radamel Falcao.
But Benítez, who is hoping to oversee his first Premier League win as Chelsea manager at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, insists his only focus is getting the best out of the players currently at his disposal.
“Yes, I was talking with [technical director] Michael [Emenalo] and people around [the club],” said Benítez. “I have my ideas, they have their ideas but my job now is just to improve the squad that I have.
“If we can do something in January that will be good but if we cannot fix the position that we want to fix with the right men then we have to carry on with everything.
“It’s not my job to have [transfer] targets, I have ideas; the club has to have targets.”
Meanwhile, the Spaniard confirmed that captain John Terry will miss Chelsea’s trip to Japan for the Fifa Club World Cup as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury sustained against Liverpool last month.
But there was some good news on the injury front, with Frank Lampard included in the squad travelling to the north-east after the midfielder recovered from a calf problem.
“Lampard has been training today, he’s in the squad for Sunderland and if everything is fine he will come to Japan,” said the interim boss. “At least we have one important player back because we need character and experience.
“If you have to play him because something’s wrong, he can make a difference. If you play him when everything is fine, he can also have an impact, so all of these players with quality and experience are welcome.
“He is a quality player; he scores goals, understands the game and is a good passer of the ball.”
Chelsea are currently 10 points behind leaders Manchester United in the Premier League table.