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

Kompany backs Lampard for Chelsea job

With Derby County revealing on Tuesday they had given Chelsea permission to speak to Frank Lampard about the vacant managerial post at Stamford Bridge, former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has backed the Blues legend, saying he was ‘a natural match’ for the job.

Speaking at his presentation as the new player-manager of Belgian side Anderlecht, Kompany spoke in glowing terms of Lampard, who he played alongside during the midfielder’s short spell at City after he left Stamford Bridge.

‘Sign him up. He is the man!’ said Kompany, as reported by Goal.com.

‘Not only is Frank a great guy but someone who I learned so much from at a stage in my career. He was a bit older when he joined Manchester City and Frank was an incredible professional.

‘What he brought at the time, he stepped the level up for everyone else so I know the impact of Frank Lampard on a team and I'm trying to have the same impact when it comes as an older player for Anderlecht.

‘He's up there with the most intelligent players so it's a natural match with Chelsea, I completely support him.’

Ryan glad to see Hazard leaving

Speaking on Fox Australia’s Football Podcast, Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan said he was pleased he wouldn’t have to face Eden Hazard during the upcoming season after conceding four goals to the former Chelsea winger over the past two years.

Asked who he regarded as the most challenging attacking player he had come up against in the Premier League, the Australia international keeper admitted his frustration at being regularly beaten by the Belgian during his time with the Blues.

‘I think from the four times I’ve faced him I haven’t saved a shot from him yet. It’s either been blocked, he’s hit the shot off target or he’s scored a goal,’ said Ryan.

‘It’s a bit of an annoying fact so thank God he’s ****** off somewhere else.

‘I put in a nice word to [Real Madrid] for him,’ he added jokingly.

But while the 27-year-old is glad he will not have to come up against Hazard in the Premier League next season, he is hoping to get another chance to take him on against in the future

“I would love to have the opportunity to face him again and to stop him on the next occasion – that’s my motivation,’ Ryan added.

‘He’s one of those players who has the ability to pick their spot and to pick it well.’

James gives positive fitness update

Reece James has tweeted a video of himself doing rehab work on his injured ankle in a pool and saying his recovery from the injury is going well.

James suffered the injury while playing for England’s Under-20 side at the Toulon Tournament earlier this month and while there were initial worries he might need surgery on his ankle, that has not proven the case for the full-back who had an impressive spell on loan at Wigan last season.

‘Recovery is going well. Hope to be back out on the pitch again soon!’ said the 19-year-old in a message accompanying the video.

James was Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year in 2018 before being named in the Championship Team of the Season during his loan spell at Wigan.