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

Blues eyeing Pjanic

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic.

According to ESPN, the 31-year-old is a player that the Spanish giants might have to offload to decrease their wage bill.

It is understood the player would be interested in a move due to a lack of playing time at the La Liga club.

Pjanic arrived at Camp Nou a year ago but has struggled for regular match action at Barcelona under head coach Ronald Koeman.

The report states that Thomas Tuchel would be interested in bringing him to Stamford Bridge as he looks to further strengthen his midfield ahead of the new season.

This is not the first time the Blues have been linked with the Bosnian. It is reported that we were also interested in his services two seasons ago, before making the move from Juventus to Spain.

Carragher backs Mount

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Mason Mount should start in England’s Euro 2020 last-16 fixture against Germany.

Writing in his column for the subscription-based Telegraph, the Sky Sports pundit believes Gareth Southgate will have to make a tough decision in his team selection this afternoon.

‘The dilemma for Southgate is choosing between Jack Grealish or Mount,’ Carragher wrote. ‘I would go for Mount.’

The 22-year-old has been an important player for both club and country for the past two seasons and his energy and intelligence always puts his side on the front foot.

The midfielder, alongside team-mate Ben Chilwell came out of self-isolation at midnight after training alone since being in contact with Billy Gilmour, who tested positive for coronavirus after England faced Scotland at Wembley.

‘He is technically good on the ball,’ Carragher added. ‘And just as importantly, his pressing is as good as anyone in the squad.

‘That is so important in this match, especially as England may have to do plenty of chasing during certain periods.’

Redknapp praises Rudiger

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has labelled Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger as one of the best defenders in the world.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp earmarked the centre-back as one of Germany’s key players ahead of their visit to Wembley tonight.

‘Germany have good players and they are players we all know,’ he said. ‘With Ilkay Gundogan in the midfield, we are going to have to make sure he does not dictate the tempo.

‘Rudiger is one of the best defenders in the world.'

Redknapp also praised another German Blue who has continued to grow throughout the tournament and has become an important player for coach Joachim Low.

‘Kai Havertz is going to be a key player for them,’ he added. ‘I am looking forward to it but I do not feel we have anything to fear.’

Six Blues could be competing against each other tonight, with England trio Mason Mount, Reece James and Ben Chilwell hoping to face their German club-mates Rudiger, Havertz and Timo Werner for a spot in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.