Report: Chelsea exploring new striker purchase amid Diego Costa's struggles

Chelsea is considering delving into the January transfer market following the struggles of forwards Diego Costa, Radamel Falcao, and Loic Remy this term, according to Dominic Fifield of the Guardian.

The trio collectively has just five goals in the Blues' 20 competitive outings. Costa's inability to find the back of the net - after 20 strikes in 24 Premier League starts last season - is most worrying, compounded by a falling-out between manager Jose Mourinho and the Spaniard during halftime of Chelsea's 4-0 defeat of Maccabi Tel Aviv on Tuesday.

Related: Chelsea's Mourinho, Costa argue, then kiss and make up

January is a tough time to pick up some of the most coveted talent in the global game, with long-term targets such as Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann and Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain unlikely to be allowed to leave, so the Blues would have to investigate other tactics.

Technical director Michael Emenalo and his recruitment team would prefer a long-term option like West Brom's Saido Berahino or even someone in the midst of a scoring streak, such as Jamie Vardy of Leicester City. Business with a Premier League rival could prove trying, however.

To the disgruntlement of many of the Stamford Bridge faithful, short-term veteran recruits may be the only option. Tottenham Hotspur's forgotten forward Emmanuel Adebayor, who worked with Mourinho at Real Madrid, and Fenerbahce flop Robin van Persie are among those linked with a shock move to west London.

With Chelsea languishing in 15th in one of the limpest title defences in living memory, a move up the table has to happen soon. Mourinho's side looks to record back-to-back domestic victories in a tough trip to Tottenham on Sunday.