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

Kounde the club's priority in transfer market

Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea have reportedly outlined Sevilla’s Jules Kounde as the most desired signing, according to media speculation.

The Blues have long been linked to the Frenchman and reportedly missed out on signing him before the season started after failing to agree a fee with the Spanish side.

90min now reports that there is belief within the club that he will sign at ‘some point in 2022’.

‘Chelsea still covet the services of Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde and will pursue a deal for the Frenchman ahead of a summer move, 90min understands,’ the report states.

‘The Blues believed they had agreed a cut-price fee to sign Kounde last August, only to be blindsided when the Spanish club increased their demands at the 11th hour.

‘While other options such as Villarreal's Pau Torres and Niklas Sule of Bayern Munich have been considered, 90min understands that Chelsea have come to the conclusion that Kounde remains the outstanding candidate and there is a belief within the club that he will join at some point in 2022.’

Saul impresses Blues icon

Chelsea legend Ashley Cole believes Saul Niguez’s performance against Spurs last night could give him the stepping stone he needs to get into the Chelsea side on a regular basis.

Saul had his most impressive outing in Chelsea colours last night alongside Jorginho in the middle of the pitch and his confidence on the ball impressed former left-back Cole.

‘I thought he played well,’ Cole told Sky Sports, cited by Metro. ‘I think he had good balance with Jorginho in there, he had a little bit more license for freedom.

‘Yes, he played in a two but he could go out into those wide areas a little more with Jorginho just sat a little bit,’ he added.

‘In terms of his overall performance and the worries and concerns people had around him, he’s done enough tonight to warrant that he should get more opportunities.’

Digne reportedly keen on move

Chelsea's reported target Lucas Digne is said to prefer a move to London over Newcastle, after the Magpies submitted a bid for the Everton defender.

The long-term injury to Ben Chilwell has reportedly persuaded the Blues to head into the transfer market for a replacement and Digne has been heavily linked in the media.

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, who covers the North-East of England, has said Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United have made the first move out of Premier League clubs for his signature.

‘Newcastle have made a £22.5m bid for Lucas Digne, with Sean Longstaff offered to Everton as part of the deal,’ Downie tweeted.

‘However left-back Digne has indicated he would prefer a move elsewhere, with London duo Chelsea and West Ham interested.’

Digne has not featured for Everton over the festive period after an apparent fall out with manager Rafa Benitez over tactics, and looks set to depart Goodison Park during this transfer window.