Rumour: Jose Mourinho to choose one of three Premier League stars to partner Diego Costa at Chelsea

Wilfried Bony: On mourinho’s wishlist?

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has decided to wait until after the conclusion of the World Cup this summer before he chooses who will be the west Londoners’ second striker next season, report the Daily Star.

With a lack of firepower the most glaringly obvious chink in the Blues armour during the last campaign, due to the poor performance of the club’s three senior strikers, Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to make a marquee signing during the Premier League off season.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have been strongly linked with Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa, who is widely expected to arrive after Chelsea’s high profile pursuit of his signature throughout the season and willingness to meet his release clause.

The Spaniard is expected to be installed as first choice when he arrives, but the Portuguese boss will also need another high profile front man if his side are to compete for silverware on four fronts, and he has narrowed his search down to three names.

Romelu Lukaku, who has spent two seasons away from his parent club with West Bromwich Albion and Everton could yet return, but the Belgian is expected to demand regular game time, which could scupper his chances of being welcomed into the fold.

Meanwhile, Loic Remy also benefited from a loan spell with Newcastle United and is unlikely to return to Queens Park Rangers due to his impressive performances for the Magpies. The Frenchman has proven quality and would be an excellent option but Remy has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal.

The third striker battling to attract admiring glances from Mourinho during the tournament in Brazil is Swansea’s Wilfried Bony. The Ivory Coast forward has enjoyed an excellent debut season with the Welsh club and recently admitted he is keen to play in the Champions League.

The news that Mourinho has turned his attentions to the trio seems to have finally brought Fernando Torres and Demba Ba’s time with Chelsea to an end.