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

Villa boss believes ‘excited’ Terry will get a great reception

According to quotes in the Daily Mail, Aston Villa manager Dean Smith believes John Terry will be welcomed back with open arms by Chelsea supporters as our former skipper prepares to return to Stamford Bridge as part of the Villa coaching staff today.

Terry came through the ranks at Chelsea and won 15 major honours to become the most decorated player in our history. He left west London in the summer of 2017 and Smith reports that his number two is looking forward to returning.

‘He’ll be excited for it,’ said Smith. ‘He always said he would never go back and play against them – and I’m certainly not going to pick him!

‘I’m sure he will get an unbelievable reception from their supporters, and rightly so after the playing career he had at that football club and the ties he has.

‘He’ll be looking forward to going back and I’m sure it will be a little bit different for him but his mind has been solely on helping myself and the rest of the coaching team to try and beat the club he loves.’

Roma interested in reported Chelsea target

A report in Italy indicates that Roma could be set to swoop for reported Chelsea target Elseid Hysaj when the January transfer window opens.

According to Calciomercato, the 25 year-old defender has become Giallorossi’s number one winter target as they currently lack reinforcements in the right-back position. Coach Paulo Fonseca has just one fit option in that area – Davide Santon – following Davide Zappacosta’s long-term injury.

The Blues were linked to the Albanian international last month, with reports suggesting that he is set to leave Naples when his contract expires at the end of the season. Chelsea are currently serving a two-window FIFA transfer embargo, although a decision on our appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport is expected imminently.

Hysaj has played his entire club career in Italy, gaining promotion with Empoli in 2014 before following Maurizio Sarri to Napoli the following summer.

Alonso assessing options

Marcos Alonso’s Chelsea career looks to be coming to an end, the Sun reports.

The story explains how the Spanish defender has not featured for Frank Lampard’s side since the start of last month when he was selected to begin our thrilling 4-4 draw with Ajax.

Since then, Emerson Palmieri and Cesar Azpilicueta have deputised at left-back and Lampard has admitted the 28 year-old’s absence from the team has been a selection decision.

‘I have selection choices in different positions,’ said Lampard. ‘Some players will be disappointed.’

The Sun story claims Alonso is now assessing his options. ‘He has picked up winners medals for the FA Cup and Europa League but now with the transfer window reopening in just four weeks, his spell in west London could come to an end in January,’ the paper reports.