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

Lampard targets Chilwell

Chelsea have made Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell their number one January target if the FIFA transfer embargo is overturned, reports the Athletic (paywall).

The story claims that England international Chilwell is Frank Lampard’s preferred choice to bolster the Blues defence. Lampard revealed this week that the club expect an imminent decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport on whether to cut the transfer ban from two windows to one. If that happens, Lampard will be able to sign players for the first time since taking the reins in the summer.

‘Even if they are still prevented from recruiting until the summer, the process of deciding how the squad can be strengthened has begun,’ continues the story. ‘With plenty of money at their disposal, Chelsea will be looking to improve their defence, midfield and attack but one of their main priorities is at left-back.’

Chilwell turns 23 this month and it is expected it will take a significant outlay to prise him away from the King Power Stadium, with Brendan Rodgers’ side currently second in the Premier League.

The Athletic also claim that Valencia’s Jose Gaya, who has played against us twice this season in the Champions League, and Nice’s Youcef Atal are on the shortlist of possible reinforcements.

Pundit praises Mount’s impact

Speaking as part of Amazon Prime Video’s coverage of our win over Aston Villa, former Blues defender Andy Townsend praised Mason Mount’s ability to make a difference in games.

Our young midfielder had just netted an eye-catching winner to help Lampard’s side return to winning ways and Townsend praised the 20-year-old for constantly wanting to get into the penalty box and score goals.

‘He wants to make the difference,’ said Townsend. ‘We’ve got a lot of very good, young English players wanting to make the difference in matches and that’s what I certainly see with Mason Mount.

‘I see someone that wants to get in the box, wants to get in the thick of it, and can finish. If you want to play international football and you want to play regularly for a club like Chelsea, you’ve got to be able to make the difference. Mason can do that – he’s very, very good and long may that continue.’

Drinkwater’s return welcomed

Danny Drinkwater has been labelled ‘a perfect fit’ by one of his on-loan Burnley team-mates, according to the Daily Mail.

The midfielder made his first Premier League start since March 2018 in Tuesday’s home game against Manchester City, which the Clarets lost 4-1. After the match, defender Erik Pieters expressed his hope that the 29-year-old would be given more opportunities in the coming weeks following his return from injury.

‘I’m really happy for him,’ said Pieters. ‘He’s waited for a long time to be in the team and I’m happy for him to get his first performance in. It takes time but that’s normal, he didn’t play for a while but he’s looking good and he’s feeling well.

‘He’s a great guy and he fits perfectly. Everyone can see he’s great on the ball, good passing, strong on the ball as well, and he brings calm to the team so hopefully he can get a couple more games to show it to us and show it to everyone.’

Drinkwater’s loan at Burnley runs until 6 January and the Mail report there is no indication as yet that Sean Dyche’s team might look to extend it.