Chelsea are hoping to splash the clash this January after FIFA conceded they are prepared to suspend the club's transfer ban while they await the result of the appeal against the ruling.

The Blues were given a transfer ban by FIFA for allegedly encouraging French teenager Gael Kakuta to break his contract with his club R.C. Lens in 2007.

FIFA's ruling was announced in early September and completely prohibits the West London outfit from signing any new players until January 2011 as punishment.

However, Chelsea have since appealed the decision at the Court of Arbitration in Sport in Switzerland hoping for a quick overturn.

If successful, as the appeal appears to be heading, it could give coach Carlo Ancelotti the green light to dip into the vastly deep pot of cash available to him in order to significantly add to his squad.

With strikers Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou along with midfielders Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel set to depart for the African Cup of Nations in January, the 59-year-old Italian will need to bring in reinforcements as the Blues continue their push for major honours.

FIFA have conceded they are virtually powerless to prevent the suspension of the transfer ban while they await the result of the appeal, leaving Ancelotti free to pick and choose from a vast array of footballing talent around Europe.

First on the list will be Atletico Madrid whizz-kid Sergio Aguero, who after seeing his side struggle this season, could be tempted by a move to Stamford Bridge.

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery is also a rumoured target following his much-publicised spat with coach Louis Van Gaal, as is Valencia striker David Villa and AC Milan's deep-lying playmaker Andrea Pirlo.