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

Ivanovic’s Russian Cup gaffe

Branislav Ivanovic may have captained Zenit Saint Petersburg to the Russian double this season but the former Chelsea defender is more likely to be remembered for dropping and breaking the Russian Cup during the trophy presentation last weekend.

In a Twitter video shared by Zenit, the Serbian was seen receiving the crystal trophy after his side’s 1-0 win over Khimki in the final. He initially lifted it by the handles before attempting to raise it higher by hoisting it up while holding the base.

Unfortunately, Ivanovic lost control of the trophy as he lifted it over his head and watch it tumble to the ground with the crystal lid reportedly being smashed to pieces.

The rest of the trophy seemed to survive the drop and was seen lidless in later photos. However, Zenit expressed their remorse in the text which accompanied their tweet, which has nearly half a million views.

‘Ok, you've all heard by now we managed to drop and break the Russian Cup, and we'd like to say sorry!’ stated the Russian club.

Blues reportedly considering Getafe defender

According to the Daily Mail, reports from Spain indicate Chelsea are preparing a bid of 30 million euros for Getafe left-back Marc Cucurella.

The 22-year-old was recently signed by the La Liga side on a permanent basis from Barcelona but Spanish media outlet AS reports the Blues have been closely monitoring the progress of the former Spain Under-21 international.

‘Cucurella made 45 appearances at Getafe this term while on loan from Barcelona, and the south Madrid club agreed to pay 10 million euros to make the deal permanent last month,’ states the report.

‘Nevertheless, Chelsea would be willing to pay over double that price to bring the Spaniard to Stamford Bridge, with Barca reserving the right to claim 10 per cent of the transfer fee.

‘Cucurella, who has also made five appearances for Spain at under-21 level, first joined Barca in 2012 and made just one appearance for the first team before joining SD Eibar on loan at the beginning of the 2018-19 campaign.’

Lampard lauded by Keane

Speaking on Sky Sports, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has said Frank Lampard has done a better job at Chelsea than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has managed at Old Trafford this season, the Daily Mail reports.

Both Lampard and Solskjaer guided their teams to top-four finishes in the Premier League this season but Keane feels the Blues boss has performed wonders at the Bridge as he was unable to sign players last summer and lost the services of Eden Hazard after his departure for Real Madrid.

‘Frank’s done a better job, I have to say,’ admitted the Irishman. ‘I expect them to be there or thereabouts, but the way they’ve played, the way Frank comes across, he comes across really well.

‘There’s no nonsense about him, he’s made big decisions, he’s brought a lot of young players in, good players, good quality, but they’ve needed an opportunity, they took it.

‘They finished in the top four and obviously if they can win an FA Cup, great achievement.

‘But as Frank is reminding everybody, he’s not getting too carried away getting in the top four, but it’s huge step forward for Chelsea again.’