Chelsea reach for the chequebook (again) to stop the bleeding... with a striker top of their wanted list in January as club stand by Mauricio Pochettino

Given what’s gone before it is no surprise Chelsea are preparing to put their battered chequebook to use again this month.

It’s almost as if spending close to £1billion isn’t enough.

Once more, co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are willing to invest during the January transfer window in hope of rescuing a season that has so far been a huge disappointment - Tuesday night’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg loss to Middlesbrough the latest black mark.

It’s pertinent to stress head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s position is not believed to be under any immediate threat despite the most recent setback.

If possible, Chelsea’s owners would prefer to make it through until at least the end of the season to assess the campaign as a whole before making any judgments about Pochettino’s long-term future.

Co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are willing to invest during the January window in hope of rescuing a season that has so far been a huge disappointment

Indeed, overturn the single goal deficit in the home leg against Michael Carrick’s side in a fortnight's time and subsequently winning the final would put a more positive spin on Pochettino’s first campaign in charge. They remain in the FA Cup too - though they face Aston Villa in round four.

That said, not making it to Wembley and a further implosion of their Premier League season could see Chelsea’s owners re-evaluate their plan.

So too could the reaction of supporters if results and performances don’t improve.

For now, though, the club are behind Pochettino and will spend more money in the transfer market in hope of revitalising a team that has looked devoid of fight and spirit far too often.

The Argentine had very little influence on the club's summer business and is hoping for a greater say this month.

If they are smart, the club’s recruitment team will listen to the Argentine.

The Chelsea squad is unbalanced and - despite the huge investment since the American takeover - is still in need of repair. That isn’t on Pochettino.

He isn’t showing it publicly, but Pochettino would only be human if he is feeling a sense of frustration at it all.

But he has no choice but to get the best out of what he has - and there will be many that will argue he hasn’t.

This month the club will target a new striker, while the club are also on the look out for a new left-back.

It will be particularly interesting to see how they approach their hunt for a new forward.

Chelsea have a strong interest in Napoli’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen, who has a £103million release clause.

Sources close to Osimhen have indicated to Mail Sport that the Nigeria striker is open to joining the Blues.

But that deal, given it’s expense, is more likely to gather pace in the summer - particularly given Osimhen is at the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, Chelsea’s need for a striker is immediate.

Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer are team’s joint top scorer with eight goals each. Jackson has led the line for much of the season, but there is a growing belief at Stamford Bridge that they require an upgrade on the Senegal international, who is currently away at AFCON.

Armando Broja is fit again after a lengthy injury lay-off, but he remains unproven at Chelsea.

In ideal circumstances, Chelsea would wait until the summer before landing a centre-forward. But they’ve entered the realms of needs must.