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

Hoddle tips Blues for future success

Former Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle believes the Blues are a couple of years away from winning the Premier League title with a core of players he feels can go on to do ‘something special’.

Appearing as a pundit on a Premier League Productions show for international broadcast, the 62-year-old revealed his admiration for Frank Lampard’s side, who are currently third in the table after a run of six straight wins.

‘They're a very exciting team to watch,’ said our former player-manager. ‘I don't know whether those youngsters would have had a chance without the (transfer) embargo, but they’ve been given a chance.

‘The one key thing is, when you put youngsters in, they’ve got to be good enough, and these guys are good enough.

‘There’s five of them there that I think in two years’ time they’re going to be ready to win the league. I really do feel that there's a foundation and building blocks to really go on and become something special.’

Rudiger in line for contract renewal

The Daily Mail reports Chelsea are looking to extend Antonio Rudiger’s contract despite the injury problems which have limited the German defender to only 45 minutes of action so far this season.

The 26-year-old is under contract to Chelsea until 2022 but according to the paper, the club are keen to ensure he remains beyond that.

‘The Germany international enters the final two years of his contact at the end of the season and the Blues want to head off any doubt over his long-term future by signing him to an extension,’ states the report.

‘Chelsea are concerned rival clubs will look to take advantage of any uncertainty at the end of the season. Manchester City and Tottenham will both be in the market for a new central defender next summer.

‘The Stamford Bridge club's plan to extend Rudiger's deal comes despite an injury hit campaign that has seen him make just one appearance all season.

‘The defender underwent surgery to clear up the hip problem last Tuesday and is expected to be out until December.’

Tomori impresses in England training

Fikayo Tomori made a strong case for himself to become the latest Chelsea player to make his debut for England after an impressive display in training which was shared on video by the official England Instagram page.

The Chelsea centre-back was filmed at St George’s Park National Football Centre while training for the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro and he showcased his finishing ability by scoring three well-taken goals.

The 21-year-old could be seen exchanging handshakes and high-fives with his team-mates including Tammy Abraham and Harry Kane after his feat.

The video post featured a short message: ‘@fikayotomori = hat-trick hero’ accompanied by two celebration emojis, and it drew plenty of interest with nearly 100,000 views in the first 10 hours after its release.

Tomori also received some ribbing from his England team-mates with Ben Chillwell suggesting somewhat tongue-in-cheek that he had ‘Got lucky’ while James Maddison lamented he had ‘No shout for the two assists’ he provided for Tomori.