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

Zaha linked with Blues

The Guardian reports Chelsea are ready to step up interest in Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha in January with Frank Lampard keen to strengthen his attacking options

According to the paper, the Ivory Coast winger is eager to play at the highest level and the Blues are strongly considering a bid for the 27-year-old following the announcement last week that our transfer ban had been halved.

‘Zaha came close to leaving Palace last summer and was frustrated when transfers to Arsenal and Everton broke down,’ added the Guardian.

‘Lampard made clear he wants more quality in attack after Chelsea secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-1 victory against Lille on Tuesday.

‘Chelsea’s manager pointed out that losing Eden Hazard to Real Madrid has lessened his side’s creative threat. Zaha, whose form has improved following a slow start, could give Chelsea greater variety and incision in attack.’

Scouts monitor Werner and Dembele

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea scouts were closely monitoring this week’s Champions League clash between Lyon and RB Leipzig to keep an eye on Moussa Dembele (pictured below) and Timo Werner.

The paper reported a healthy contingent of scouts were in the stands at Stade de Lyon to take a closer look at Lyon’s Dembele and Werner of Leipzig in the match which ended in a 2-2 draw which sent both sides through to the knockout rounds.

‘Neither forward particularly stood out, though Werner continued his outstanding goals record with a penalty in the 2-2 draw, taking his tally to 20 in 22 games for Leipzig this season, before he came off after 55 minutes,’ added the report.

‘Germany international Werner, 23, is one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe and was surrounded by agents at Leipzig’s hotel after the game on Tuesday as various clubs look to entice him away.

‘Dembele broke through at Fulham before stepping up again at Celtic. Though medical concerns saw a move to Tottenham fall through, Chelsea contemplated a bid in 2017 before the 23-year old joined Lyon last year.

‘His performances have also attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United but Chelsea and a return to London could prove a big draw for the France U21 international.’

Howe admits he can’t stop Ake leaving

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has admitted he is powerless to stop Nathan Ake leaving the club amid interest from Chelsea, the Mirror reports.

The Dutch defender left Stamford Bridge to join the Cherries in 2017 but reportedly has a buyback clause in his contract and could make his return to west London with the Blues rumoured to be keen on re-signing him.

Speaking of the situation surrounding Ake, Howe said: ‘It would be obviously my wish to hold on to everybody. Some of these things are out of our control.

‘We will wait and see. I don’t want to give you evasive answers but I am in no control of that at the moment.

‘A lot of things with transfers [from] trying to bring players in, trying to keep the squad we have, is out of my hands.’