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

Interest in Zaha

According to the Independent, Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha could be a transfer target for Chelsea.The club is awaiting a decision on whether the ongoing transfer ban is to be lifted in time for January’s window opening but the Independent’s report concerns next summer anyway.It claims: ‘Chelsea retain an interest in signing Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace and have spoken to intermediaries,’ and names an agent who also counts Romelu Lukaku among his clients.‘Chelsea have long held an interest in the 27-year-old, whose contract at Crystal Palace runs until the summer of 2023, despite signing Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund and Callum Hudson-Odoi recently committing to a new long-term contract,’ adds the article which also reckons Zaha is desperate to play Champions League football.In a separate article in the London Evening Standard, words from Palace manager Roy Hodgson on continuing speculation over Zaha’s future are quoted.

‘As I've said on many occasions, when you have a player of that quality, it's not surprising when they're coveted,’ says the former England boss.‘But he's a Crystal Palace player, he's under contract to us. No one here is anxious or desirous to sell him. But sometimes bids come in which are very difficult for the clubs to deal with.‘The speculation doesn't interest me at all. I've been here two and a bit years now and there's been speculation about him from the very moment I stepped through the door.’

Giroud on Atleti list

Atletico Madrid could be interested in a current Chelsea striker according to Football Espana.Translating an article from Spanish news outlet AS, it claims Olivier Giroud is an alternative target to PSG’s Edinson Cavani as Atletico look to address a goal shortage exacerbated by an injury to our former striker Diego Costa.

It states: ‘Out-of-favour Chelsea striker Giroud - who has featured just seven times this season, starting three - is now the alternative option.‘Chelsea and Atleti have conducted multiple deals in recent seasons including those for Costa, Filipe Luis, Thibaut Courtois and Alvaro Morata.’

Tammy tipped for the top

Cesar Azpilicueta expects Tammy Abraham to push Leicester’s Jamie Vardy all the way for this season’s Premier League Golden Boot according to quotes from the Chelsea captain on Goal.comAbraham registered his 11th league goal of the season on Wednesday when he scored against his former loan club Aston Villa. Vardy is currently on 14.

‘He [Abraham] has the potential to go even higher,’ Azpilicueta says. ‘We know we are still in December with a lot of games but with his passion and hunger, he is capable of getting to the top, for sure.

The Blues defender also highlights that Abraham is not only scoring goals, citing defensive work and an assist against Villa, but returning to the goal tallies, he adds:‘Vardy is doing an amazing season with a lot of goals and Tammy is behind him so if he is there, it is because he deserves it.’