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

Southgate backs Loftus-Cheek

Gareth Southgate has backed Ruben Loftus-Cheek to get back into the England squad once he gets some regular game time, according to The Standard.

The 24-year-old joined newly promoted Fulham on a season-long loan on deadline day to try to get more playing time and return to full fitness. A string of injuries have limited his playing time both at club and international level. Loftus-Cheek was part of the England squad that made the semi-final of the World Cup in 2018 in Russia.

‘When you’re making career decisions, you want to be playing football first and foremost and if there is more likelihood of playing football more regularly at Fulham, given the amount of football that Ruben has unfortunately missed with various injuries, then for his own development and his own enjoyment of his career then I think that is the key,’ Southgate stated.

‘Then if he can play well, getting back in the England team gets on the radar. But he’s missed nearly 18 months.’

‘We know the talent that he has, we know what he is capable of. Hopefully he can get back to playing regularly with Fulham and then he can go from there.’

After being out for nearly a year with a ruptured achilles, Loftus-Cheek’s progress was hindered by the pandemic. Loftus-Cheek was in superb form in the 2018-19 season. From midfield, he managed 10 goals and five assists from all competitions including his first career hat-trick against BATE Borisov.

Sarri eyes potential jobs

Maurizio Sarri has plans to return to coaching before Christmas and has reportedly started negotiations to terminate his Juventus contract, Italian papers report.

Sarri was sacked last season by Juventus despite winning his first Scudetto in Italy. But those close to the 61-year-old manager have echoed his desire to get back in the dugout with Fiorentina and Roma being high favourites.

Talking to Tuttosport, a friend of the manager expressed his dream of seeing Sarri take the Fiorentina job.

‘I, like all Fiorentina fans, despite having the utmost respect for Beppe Ianchini, have a dream: Maurizio in Florence. Seeing him win with Fiorentina would be the best,’ he said.

He also suggested that Sarri does not rule out a return to Naples for a second stint as the Napoli head coach if the stars aligned.

Sarri spent one season at Stamford Bridge, leading the Blues to a third place finish and winning the Europa League against rivals Arsenal in Baku. It was Sarri’s first trophy as a manager.

Championship sides register Clarke-Salter interest

Jake Clarke-Salter has turned down overseas loan interest from Club Brugge and Trabzonspor and is eyeing a Championship move, according to goal.com.

Derby County, Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday have all registered interest in the 23-year-old.

Clarke-Salter spent last season at Birmingham under Pep Clotet. He managed to feature in 23 games and scored one goal. He will be looking to increase his development in order to force himself into Frank Lampard’s future plans.

The centre-back featured in the pre-season friendly against Brighton and left many Blues fans impressed. His ability as a ball-playing centre-back who is also comfortable in the air shows he has all the attributes to become an important option for Lampard.

'Jake Clarke-Salter turned down overseas loan interest from Club Brugge and Trabzonspor to prioritise a move to the Championship once again,' the report reads. 'Although a deal isn't thought to be close, it is understood that Derby County, Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday have all registered an interest.'