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Xabi Alonso is looking to add some experienced players to his team(Image: Darren Walsh, Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Just hours after rumours of a surprise signing heading to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are reportedly looking to add another member of England's World Cup squad - and it might be on a free.

Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson could be set for a shock transfer to the Premier League giants just hours after the club were linked to Brighton's Danny Welbeck.

Henderson, who was injured during the World Cup in a freak accident during celebrations, still has a year left on his contract with Brentford but reports suggest he may be allowed to leave on a free after his playing time was limited last season.

Jordan Henderson was part of England's World Cup squad

According to reports, two other unnamed Premier League sides are interested in signing the former Liverpool captain. Henderson, 36, was a shock choice in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad after he returned to England from Ajax last season with his Brentford appearances mostly coming from the bench.

It comes as Chelsea are reportedly in talks to sign Welbeck from Brighton. The 35-year-old has emerged as a surprise candidate to bolster the Blues’ forward line after scoring 13 Premier League goals in 37 matches last season.

There is optimism that a deal can be concluded with Brighton understood to be willing to allow the striker, who has a year remaining on his contract, to leave for the right price.

Should a deal be reached it would increase the likelihood of departures from Stamford Bridge, with uncertainty already surrounding the futures of Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson.

Danny Welbeck could get one last big move to a top club(Image: GLYN KIRK, AFP via Getty Images)

Interest in Welbeck marks another significant step in a revised Chelsea transfer policy, as they seek to recruit more established buys under new manager Xabi Alonso.

With more than 400 Premier League appearances, the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker would mark the clearest departure yet from the club’s recent strategy of seeking out young, inexperienced players with potential.

Welbeck, who scored twice when Brighton won 3-1 at Stamford Bridge last season, signed a new 12-month deal in March which runs until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

Alonso also has Dutch striker Emmanuel Emegha on the books following his move from sister club Strasbourg, as well as 20-year-old Marc Guiu who has been given only limited playing time in the league since moving from Barcelona in 2024.