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

Blues considering move for Digne?

According to ESPN.com, Chelsea could make an offer for Everton full-back Lucas Digne after being reportedly put off by Leicester City’s high asking price for Ben Chilwell.

The report indicates the Blues could vie with Manchester City for the 26-year-old Frenchman, who joined the Toffees from Barcelona two years ago and was named the club’s Player of the Season last year after establishing himself as their first-choice left-back.

‘While both Chelsea and City regard England international Chilwell as a top quality left-back, sources have told ESPN that Leicester will hold out for at least £75 million for the defender,’ states the report.

‘Everton would expect a high fee for France international Digne, who cost £18m when he arrived on a five-year contract from Barcelona in 2018.

‘But with the former Paris Saint-Germain and Roma full-back approaching his 27th birthday later this month, sources have told ESPN that both Chelsea and City believe he would be a less expensive option than Chilwell and, with 30 international caps for France and Champions League pedigree with Barcelona, proven experience at the top level.’

Bakayoko attracts interest from three clubs

Tiemoue Bakayoko could be set to leave Chelsea permanently after being linked with three big European clubs, the Mirror reports.

Signed by the Blues in 2017, the French midfielder was unable to establish himself at the Bridge and has spent the past two campaigns on loan at AC Milan and his former club Monaco.

However, he could be on the verge of a permanent move this summer with Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon or AC Milan all reportedly interested in signing him.

‘Tiemoue Bakayoko is on the transfer wishlist of three European clubs, according to reports on the continent,’ states the report.

‘The defensive midfielder has been on loan this season and his time at Stamford Bridge could be set to end this summer, according to Le 10 Sport.

‘They report Bakayoko is attracting interest from Paris St-Germain, AC and Lyon and he could leave on a permanent basis this summer.

‘With the likes of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho standing as Lampard’s preferred options in midfield, chances would appear scarce for the 25-year-old.’

Hulk admits Chelsea were once interested in him

Brazil international striker Hulk has told FourFourTwo that Chelsea were interested in signing him when he was a Porto player but he didn’t learn of it until after his move to Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2012.

The 33-year-old now plays at Chinese club Shanghai SIPG alongside former Chelsea midfielder Oscar but he admits they could have teamed up at Stamford Bridge much earlier in their careers.

‘In my first season at Porto, I started well and remember hearing some talk about Manchester United, but I never received anything concrete on that,’ says Hulk.

‘At the time, I was too young and left those things for other people to sort out, so I didn’t get to know which offers arrived.

‘Only after I signed for Zenit was I told Chelsea had been interested, but I can’t tell you how serious they were.

‘Naturally it felt a bit strange not hearing any news regarding a potential transfer, because you always see players from the Portuguese league going to teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid, and also the Premier League. I’d been the best player in Portugal in three different seasons, too.’