We knew there was going to be some fallout over Ryan Bertrand being overlooked in favour of playing Cesar Azpilicueta out of position when Ashley Cole hit the treatment table, and we also knew it was likely to take the form of a transfer rumour. So there should be no surprise at all that that's what's happening.
The Telegraph are reporting that Liverpool are planning a January bid for the young left back, who's failed to establish himself in the first team despite having had quite a lot of time to do so. It makes sense for the Reds to be interested -- Brendan Rodgers knows him from his time at Chelsea, they're down one Jose Enrique for the next few months, Bertrand's not getting playing time at Stamford Bridge and there was already talk over Liverpool making a play for him last summer.
There's not much reason, in other words, to suggest that this won't be a thing come transfer time. But it's important to remember that Chelsea hold all the cards here. Bertrand, 24, signed a long-term contract in September and we're not going to be forced to let go of him against our will. There's no signs that he'll make an (ill-judged) attempt to force his way out of the club either. I know it's foolish to judge personalities from afar, but Bertrand seems as steady as they come.
In other words, although we should expect this to be a thing, I'm not sure it'll ever be consumated. Perhaps Chelsea are really down on Bertrand and are looking to get rid of him, but barring that unlikely scenario it would be a surprised if he left the club this January.