These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Chelsea linked with Dybala

Chelsea are set to face intense competition in their continued reported interest in Paulo Dybala.

According to Tuttosport, Manchester United and the Blues are the two English clubs who have been keeping an eye on the Juventus star and his situation with the Serie A champions.

The 27-year-old has found it difficult to get minutes under Andrea Pirlo and is tipped to not renew his Juventus contract, which expires in a year.

It is reported that Paris Saint-Germain are another club that are interested in the Argentine forward if he becomes available.

The Blues could take advantage of Juventus’ financial situation. The club recently announced a loss of £99 million in 2020 and might have to sell some of their high-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Despite being voted Serie A’s most valuable player last season, Dybala has struggled with injuries which included catching Covid-19 and has four goals in all competitions this season.

Ferdinand backs Blues duo

Rio Ferdinand says he wants to see Thomas Tuchel give Reece James and Christian Pulisic an extended run in the team.

The former Manchester United star spoke before our quarter-final triumph against Porto on BT Sport and praised the Blues duo.

‘I’d like to see James get a good run in the team,’ the former England international said. ‘I think in that position, he is a fantastic option on the right side.

‘He defends well enough and attacking-wise, his distribution and passing into the final third is as good as anything about.’

Ferdinand also spoke about how the German boss eased Pulisic into first-team action after working together previously.

‘Pulisic, another player, you expected him to play as soon as Tuchel came in because he played with him at Dortmund,’ the former centre-back continued. ‘He doesn’t, he bides his time, comes in now and he’s getting a tune out of him.

‘That’s a sign of someone that’s a motivator but also that the players are starting to believe in him because he’s put work in on the training ground and they’re starting to see results.’

Cole praise Kante

Joe Cole expressed his delight with N’Golo Kante’s performance against Porto last night.

Speaking on BT Sport, the former Blues star was visibly proud of our performance in Seville and he saved some extra praise for the Frenchman.

The 30-year-old was a late inclusion in the starting line-up and had to play 90 minutes after Mateo Kovacic had a hamstring problem the day before.

This didn’t stop the midfielder from being his usual lively self and helping in midfield against the tough Portuguese giants.

‘It was business-like this evening,’ Cole said. ‘Tuchel picked a team to get the job done.

‘I thought Kante was the bright spark, I thought he held it together in there. Porto left it too late.’

The Blues will now look ahead to our FA Cup semi-final fixture against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Saturday.