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

Mbuyamba could join Chelsea

Goal.com reports Chelsea are in a strong position to sign 18-year-old Dutch defender Xavier Mbuyamba, who has been dubbed 'the next Virgil van Dijk’.

The highly-rated Dutch teenager joined Barcelona from MVV Maastricht last summer but he has reportedly left the La Liga giants and will look to continue his development elsewhere.

However, the Blues are not the only team who have reportedly expressed interest in Mbuyamba.

‘Chelsea are thought to be in pole position, although sources have told Goal that five of England's top clubs have all made offers to the youngster,’ states the report.

‘Barcelona agreed to allow Mbuyamba to leave for free this summer amid economic concerns at Camp Nou, with savings needing to be made on wages and future payments despite the centre-back being a highly-rated member of the La Masia system.

‘Mbuyamba went on trial at Chelsea and Barca, but decided to join the Catalan giants with a view to appearing for Barcelona's B side and then eventually the first-team.

‘However, Barcelona B were unwilling to give him a starting role this season despite a positive campaign in the Under-19s, and that has accelerated his exit.

‘The Blues therefore stand a decent chance of landing him now he is available for free, with the English league of appeal to a teenager who thinks a Premier League club could help take his game to the next level.’

Sinclair takes up coaching development role

According to Sky Sports, former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair has been appointed head of coaching development at Port Vale.

The 48-year-old joined the League Two club in a coaching capacity earlier this year and has now been handed a role which will involve the development of the club’s young players in their transition to the senior squad.

‘I'm delighted to be here. My first impressions are that I love the set up. It's obviously a very family-orientated club, a community club, and I like that because there's a synergy between all the departments,’ Sinclair told Port Vale's club website.

‘Obviously, I see a key part of my role as bridging the gap between the younger players and the first team. I want to bring them on and help them to feel closer to the first team players so that they understand that if they work hard and show the right attitude the gaffer (John Askey) can take a look at them.

‘I want to give them the confidence to feel that someday they can break through.’

Sinclair who scored in our 2-0 win over Middlesbrough in the 1998 League Cup final, has previously worked in managerial roles at non-League sides Colwyn Bay, Brackley Town and Hednesford Town, and was an assistant coach of Stoke City's Under-23 side.

Ivanovic keen on Everton move

Former Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has admitted he is likely to join Everton after he received a ‘good offer’ from the Merseyside club, The Sun reports.

The 36-year-old is a free agent after leaving Russian side Zenit St Petersburg and he appears keen to be re-united with his former Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park next season.

‘I will probably continue my career at Everton. I received a good offer from them,’ said the Serbian, who said he has also been linked with Red Star Belgrade..‘I will see how things will turn out. So far, I have not received any offer from Red Star.

‘If anyone calls me then I will consider the offer. Now, there is no need for me to be thinking about a move to Belgrade.’

Ivanovic worked under Ancelotti at Chelsea from 2009 to 2011 and was a key man in our Double-winning side in the 2009/10 season.