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

Blues interested in McKennie?

According to the Sun, Chelsea are one of a number of clubs interested in signing American midfielder Weston McKennie, who is set to leave German side Schalke this summer.

A United States international team-mate of Blues star Christian Pulisic, the 21-year-old has spent the past four years at Schalke and is under contract there until 2024.

However, he could be allowed to leave because of the club’s reported financial troubles.

‘The Bundesliga ace is valued in the region of £20million and CBS Sports suggest he's attracting interest from England, Spain, France and Germany,’ states the report.

‘It is understood McKennie is looking to move to a side involved in European competition and Premier League champions Liverpool and Frank Lampard’s Blues would fit the bill.

‘McKennie was praised for his efforts in a Schalke side that at one stage looked set to challenge for the top six before slipping to a 12th-placed finish.

‘Schalke are keen to cash in amid financial trouble with a number of their best players already up for sale.’

Villa boss dismisses talk of JT exit

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has told Sky Sports that John Terry is committed to the club’s battle to avoid relegation and is not leaving to take charge of Bristol City.

The Birmingham club beat Crystal Palace 2-0 on Sunday but are in the Premier League’s relegation zone, four points away from safety with three games left.

However, Smith believes Terry will not abandon Villa’s fight for survival despite the former Chelsea captain emerging as a candidate to take over as Bristol City manager after the Championship side parted company with Lee Johnson.

‘I have spoken to John and he is fully committed to our cause here at Aston Villa,’ said Smith.

‘I don't think we can look at the summer, we've got to look at now.

‘They've got Dean Holden, a former coach of mine, in charge at the moment. He is working hard for his club and JT is certainly working very hard for me.

‘We've got a very good relationship and we enjoy working together.’

Bakayoko linked with Bayern move

French media outlet Le 10 Sport claims Bayern Munich are looking into the possibility of signing Tiemoue Bakayoko from Chelsea as they seek to reinforce their midfield for next season.

Having clinched the German double for the second season in a row, Bayern are reportedly looking to make some significant changes to their squad with the expected departures of Javi Martinez and Thiago Alcantara.

The Bavarian side have already signed teenager Tanguy Kouassi from Paris Saint Germain but Le 10 Sport suggests Bakayoko is also being looked at seriously by Bayern along with Tottenham Hotspur’s Tanguy Ndombele.

The report adds that the Blues would be willing to agree to a deal for the 25-year-old who has spent the past two seasons on loan at AC Milan and Monaco.