Chelsea are ready to risk another fan backlash by selling Frank Lampard over fears his loyalty to Jose Mourinho could disrupt the dressing room.
Stamford Bridge chiefs are determined to unite the squad behind Avram Grant.
And Real Madrid are set to take advantage of the growing rift between Lampard and the club by making a £9million bid to land the England midfielder in January.
Lampard's refusal to discuss the £140,000-a-week contract offer that has been on the table all year has been compounded by his reaction to Mourinho's departure.
Along with Didier Drogba, Lampard was Mourinho's closest ally in the dressing room, and has not attempted to hide his feelings over the club's decision to let the Portuguese leave last month.
In a further concern for Chelsea fans, Drogba's agent Etienne Mendy admits the striker has also become a Real target.
Lampard, 29, can "buy out" the last 12 months of his contract next summer, costing him around £6m to become a free agent.
Real will use that fact to tempt Chelsea with their January offer. Bayern Munich and AC Milan have also made enquiries about Drogba, left deeply upset by Mourinho's exit.
Mendy said: "Drogba is a player who is very desirable and I have received calls from some European clubs about the situation.
"The key question now is for Didi to work for Chelsea after the blow.
"But he and the team must score many goals to recuperate their confidence."
