Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed a deal for Benfica defender David Luiz may not be completed until the summer.
The Blues coach is keen to strengthen his defence having lost his starting two centre-backs, John Terry and Alex, at various points of the season, exposing a weakness in that area.
Talks between the two clubs remain ongoing but Ancelotti admits that they could run out of time to land the Brazil international, with Monday’s deadline fast approaching.
The Italian told Sky Sports: “I think that we are trying to find a solution.
“He is a good player, a very good player, young, and now we have to wait and see.
“We have not agreed, again. We will try, but if it's not possible, nothing has changed.”
Ancelotti, who missed out on Steven Pienaar last week when the midfielder opted to join Tottenham, has also confirmed Luiz will be the only new arrival in January, if the deal is completed.
He added: “Now, he is the only signing that we will try to do. We have to see.”