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

Soumare’s suitors down to two

Sky Sports reports Chelsea are one of two teams left in the hunt for Boubakary Soumare with three other clubs no longer in the running to sign the Lille midfielder this month.

The France under-21 international has impressed in Ligue 1 over the past two seasons and played in both of Lille’s matches against Chelsea during the group stage of this season’s Champions League.

He was reportedly being monitored by several clubs for a January move but according to the article, Chelsea and Manchester United now appear to be the only candidates for his services.

‘Arsenal are said to be no longer in the running for the sought-after Lille midfielder, and neither are Real Madrid nor Valencia,’ states the Sky Sports report.

‘The 20-year-old, who has two-and-a-half years left on his Lille contract, is a box-to-box midfielder in the mould of Paul Pogba and has impressed across 23 appearances in all competitions this season, including six in the Champions League.

‘Soumare wants to leave during this transfer window and Lille have enough midfield options to allow his wish. He prefers to play in the Premier League, despite being monitored by Real Madrid.

‘He is expected to be the only one of Lille's promising young stars to be sold this month, despite 21-year-old striker Victor Osimhen and 22-year-old centre-back Gabriel also being tracked by top clubs from across Europe.’

PSG youngster close to joining Chelsea

According to the Daily Mail, a report in France says Chelsea are working on a deal to sign young midfielder Kays Ruiz-Atil from Paris Saint-Germain.

The report from RMC Sport indicates Chelsea technical mentor Claude Makelele has travelled to Paris to negotiate the move for the 17-year-old, who has represented Morocco and France at youth level.

‘The report details that Chelsea have contacted Ruiz-Atil's representatives over a possible move to London,’ states the Mail.

‘Ruiz-Atil, a central midfielder, has not progressed up the ranks of the youth system at PSG, hence the breakdown in the relationship between player and club.

‘The 17-year-old moved to Paris from Barcelona in 2015.’

Bertrand to replace Chilwell at Leicester?

The Daily Mail has suggested Leicester City are preparing to let Ben Chilwell leave for Chelsea this summer by lining up former Blues full-back Ryan Bertrand as his potential replacement.

Chilwell has been heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge and while the Foxes are unwilling to let the England international leave this month, they appear to be making plans for his possible departure later this year.

‘Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers was a youth coach at Chelsea during Bertrand’s time in their academy,’ states the report.

‘Bertrand then spent a year on loan at Reading under Rodgers, who was also keen on a reunion when he was Liverpool boss.

‘Bertrand, 30, who has 19 England caps and less than 18 months left on his Saints contract, looks set to be a man in demand.

‘Inter Milan are monitoring Bertrand’s situation, with manager Antonio Conte a long-standing admirer.’