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

Jorginho tipped for top honour

Juventus and Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini believes Jorginho would be a worthy winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or, Goal.com reports.

Speaking ahead of his side’s Champions League meeting Chelsea in Turin, the experienced defender spoke glowingly about his Italy team-mate who has lifted both the Champions League and European Championship trophies in 2021.

‘I hope he’ll be able to win, he is a good friend of mine. It’s an award that would feel like it was mine," said Chiellini.

‘He was involved in a win and emotions that will always be in our hearts. I’ve always thought he was a good player but after the first few training sessions, I realised how good he is, what a top player he is.

‘He has great technical qualities, but the real difference is in his head. Many said he was only able to play with Maurizio Sarri, but everywhere he goes he is a regular starter. I really hope he will win the Ballon d’Or.’

Chelsea linked with French winger

According to the Express, Chelsea will compete with Liverpool and Everton to sign Newcastle United winger Alain Saint-Maximin next summer.

The 24-year-old has been one of the few bright spots this season for the Magpies, who are winless after six Premier League games despite the Frenchman’s two goals and three assists.

The report suggests Saint-Maximin remained at St James’ Park despite strong interest from the Toffees last summer but Newcastle could find it tough to keep him beyond this season.

‘The Frenchman was being linked with a £40million switch to Everton this past summer, but Newcastle were able to keep hold of their star man,’ states the paper.

‘However, the fan-favourite did make it clear at the end of last season that he wants to be fighting for trophies.

‘Given Newcastle's start to the season, it may be another campaign where Bruce is trying to steer clear from relegation and it appears as though both Chelsea and Liverpool are keen to take advantage of Newcastle's situation.

‘Newcastle will not consider selling in the January transfer window but there is said to be growing optimism from Saint-Maximin's camp that he could seal a move to Chelsea, Liverpool or Everton next summer.’

Bosingwa does not regret Ovrebo criticism

Former Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa has told FourFourTwo that he does not regret his criticism of referee Tom Henning Ovrebo in 2009 which earned him a two-match Champions League ban.

The Norwegian official was in charge of the second leg of Chelsea’s semi-final against Barcelona that year, and drew heavy criticism after controversially turning down a number of penalty appeals by the Blues as the Spanish side scored a late equaliser at Stamford Bridge to advance on away goals.

Bosingwa was handed the suspension by UEFA after suggesting Ovrebo was ‘a thief’ in his heated post-match comments but insists now that his actions were justified.

‘I’d do it again, as I felt it was a tremendous injustice,’ said the Portuguese, who played his final game for the Blues in the 2012 Champions League final.

‘I have no clue about who chose the officials, but the reality is that you can’t opt for a Norwegian one who’d refereed seven or eight games in his country to take charge of a Champions League semi-final with so much at stake!

‘Among other things, we should have been given three or four penalties that night – I never felt so wronged in my entire career.’

Ovrebo admitted a few years ago that he made several errors during that game.