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

Chelsea keeping track of Sule

The Blues are reportedly interested in Bayern Munich centre-back Niklas Sule.

According to BILD, the defender has been named as another target of our new head coach Thomas Tuchel.

The 25-year-old has been influential at Bayern since arriving in 2017 from Hoffenheim, winning consecutive league titles and was also part of side that won the Champions League last season.

When asked about the transfer rumours, Bayern head coach Hansi Flick responded with huge praise of the German international.

‘It is of course also nice for us when other clubs are interested in our players,’ he said. ‘At the moment, the defence is doing very well and Niklas is an option, both in central defence and as a full-back.’

The report states that Sule is being seen as a long-term option at Stamford Bridge and Flick believes the centre-back has all the attributes to become a top player.

‘Niklas is a very fast player, who is very good on the ball, detached and with the ability to make an impact on the game from the back.

‘His physical attributes are an absolute strength. That’s why I’m glad he’s in my team.’

Sarri says no to Marseille

Former Blues head coach Maurizio Sarri has apparently rejected an opportunity to take over at Marseille.

The French club sacked former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas this week after the Portuguese declared his desire to resign at a press conference.

According to Sky Italy, the Italian is looking to re-enter management in the summer and is not prepared to take on a job halfway through the season.

The 62-year-old has been without a job since August after being sacked by Juventus. It is understood that Marseille might make a second attempt to lure the former Napoli chief.

Sarri spent one season at Chelsea and won the Europa League, the first piece of major silverware of his coaching career.

Anelka takes on sporting director role

Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has taken over as a sporting director at fourth-tier French club Hyeres.

The 41-year-old enjoyed an illustrious career winning plenty of silverware throughout Europe and now looks set to take his experience from the dressing room into the boardroom.

Hyeres announced Anelka’s hiring yesterday, the day after French businessman Mourad Boudjellal took over the club.

It is understood that the new owner is responsible for the success of Toulon’s rugby team, turning them from a second-division side to three-time European champions.

Anelka won the Premier League with the Blues in 2010 and was part of the side that lifted the Champions League two years later. He also has three FA Cups to his name, winning two as a Chelsea player.

Hyeres play in the National Two league and are located in southeast France, 22 miles from Toulon.