CHELSEA have been linked with a shock January move for Burnley striker Ashley Barnes.

Sky Sports are reporting that the Blues are interested in Barnes as they continue their hunt for a target man to join up with Antonio Conte's squad.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands that the Clarets are yet to have any contact with officials from Stamford Bridge over a possible deal.

Chelsea have been linked with a number of combative strikers this window, with interest in West Ham United's Andy Carroll shelved when he picked up an an ankle injury.

Since then the Premier League champions have been linked with Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente and Roma's Edin Dzeko, as well as Stoke City front man Peter Crouch.

But according to Sky Sports they have now taken an interest in 28-year-old Barnes, who has started the last six games for the Clarets.

Barnes was Sean Dyche's first signing for cash in his time at Turf Moor when he paid Brighton £450,000 for his services in January 2014.

Since then he has played 123 games for Burnley, scoring 18 goals, although 14 of them have come in the Premier League.

Barnes signed a new three-year deal at Turf Moor in the summer of 2016, which still has 18 months to run.