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

Blues linked to Traore

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore.

According to a report in the Telegraph, Thomas Tuchel is keen on strengthening and increasing competition in the side and views the Spanish international as a target.

Even though Traore is naturally a winger, it is suggested the German boss is keen on using him as a wing-back due to his pace and running with the ball.

The 25-year-old has also been linked with a move to Anfield so if the Blues are interested, we will be expected to fight off interest from the Reds.

The former Barcelona man has proven his Premier League pedigree at Wolves after missing just one league game all season. Traore also scored three goals and made three assists in all competitions.

Cole lauds Kante

Joe Cole believes N’Golo Kante is currently one of the best players in the world.

Speaking after our 1-0 win against Manchester City in the Champions League final, the former Blues man praised the 30-year-old for his man-of-the-match performance.

‘Kante is staggering,’ he said. ‘I’m shattered just watching him. I played against him in one of my last games.

‘I played with Makelele who I thought was the best until I saw this kid. He’s got Makelele plus extra.’

The Frenchman added the Champions League trophy to his major honours and his top-class performances in the two semi-finals and final put him up there as one of the greats of French players to come to the Premier League.

‘In the same way where a striker’s got that instinct in front of goal,’ Cole added. ‘He’s got that in midfield.

‘Gundogan, Silva and Foden couldn’t read it. Kante was just on it.’

Ferdinand believes James boosted England chances

Rio Ferdinand hailed Reece James for his mature display in our Champions League triumph over Manchester City.

Speaking on BT Sport, the former Manchester United centre-back hailed the young defender for keeping Raheem Sterling quiet throughout the game.

‘I have to talk about someone like James because he’s a product of the academy,’ Ferdinand said.

‘He has performed on the biggest stage, and he was the standout. Immense.’

The six-time Premier League winner believes the 21-year-old will be called upon in important moments for England at the Euros.

‘We spoke about a lot of players, Mason Mount and Phil Foden before and rightly so,’ Ferdinand added. ‘But there have been question marks about James, not only in a Chelsea shirt but in an England shirt.

‘There’s a great moment of right-backs in this country.’