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

Blues linked to Locatelli

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli.

According to sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are one of the Premier League clubs that are interested in the Italian star.

The 23-year-old has attracted plenty of attention after his two fantastic performances in Italy’s midfield at Euro 2020 which included a brace against Switzerland.

‘He will be leaving Sassuolo,’ Romano said. ‘Many clubs have asked for Locatelli, from Spain, from Germany and England.

‘The rumours that Arsenal made a bid are not true, but they are interested, Manchester City have scouted him for a long time and so have Chelsea.’

Many Chelsea fans would be hoping Jorginho’s chemistry with Locatelli at the heart of the Italy midfield could tempt him into a move to Stamford Bridge.

Not only does the midfielder have close ties with Jorginho and Emerson, but he also follows N’Golo Kante, former winger Eden Hazard and the Chelsea Instagram account. Locatelli recently liked a picture of Thomas Tuchel lifting the Champions League trophy on Instagram.

Cole impressed by Gilmour

Former Blues left-back Ashely Cole has backed Billy Gilmour to make an impact for Scotland at the Euros.

Speaking on the ITV Football Podcast, the former England international gave his honest verdict on the midfielder ahead of their fixture against the Three Lions.

‘For such a young boy he handles himself well,’ Cole said. ‘He has got a good character and mentality and wants to work hard.

‘He always wants to improve and always listened to the coaches whenever he trained with the Under-23s.’

Cole agrees with Ally McCoist that if Scotland are to have any success against England, Gilmour has to start.

‘He’s got top quality,’ Cole added. ‘His decision-making on the ball, when to release it quick to commit a player then play it around corners.

‘He’s got that and I agree with McCoist that he should play.’

Mourinho praises Clarke

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has praised Steve Clarke for the impact he has made on the Scottish national team.

Writing in his column in The Sun, the now Roma boss reflected on the time he brought in the Scotland manager to help him when he arrived at Chelsea.

‘I know Clarke very well,’ Mourinho said. ‘When I first went to Chelsea, I asked for options to employ one coach who knew the club and the country to help me adapt.

‘I was given a few names, I interviewed them and decided on Clarke.’

The Scot, who also played for the Blues from 1987 to 1998, became the first manager to take the Scotland national team to the Euros since 1992.

Mourinho praised Clarke for the help he gave him at Chelsea and believes he is the right man to take Scotland forward.

‘I know what Scotland means to him,’ Mourinho added. ‘Clarke is very good at hiding his emotions, but he is a very emotional guy.

‘He feels very much the nature and the responsibility of this job.’