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

Blues are favourites for Alaba

Chelsea have received a big boost in their reported pursuit of David Alaba in the summer.

According to the Spanish news outlet, AS via Sport BILD, it is understood that Real Madrid’s talks with the Austrian are not as advanced as Spanish media make them out to be.

The report also states that Alaba would be open to a move to England if the offer is right, with Chelsea viewed as his most likely destination in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old’s Bayern Munich contract runs out in the summer and he is rumoured to be set to leave after spending almost a decade at the club.

If the Blues are to go for the Austrian, he’ll be the second established free agent they’ve signed in a space of a year after Thiago Silva earlier this season.

Alaba has won nine Bundesliga titles, six German Cups and the Champions League twice.

Loftus-Cheek feels he’s back to his best

Ruben Loftus-Cheek believes he is coming closer to finding his best form while on loan at Fulham.

The midfielder’s loan to Craven Cottage to get more minutes has helped him get back to his best. He is also enjoying playing under former Blues midfielder Scott Parker.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Loftus-Cheek revealed how he is rediscovering his form.

‘I’m feeling more like myself in games. I think all that’s missing is the goals and that will come,’ he said. ‘I’m enjoying my football, enjoying fighting with the boys and hopefully, we can stay up.’

The 24-year-old has made 16 Premier League appearances for Fulham this season after being out for nearly 14 months with an Achilles injury. He also hopes he can use this time to make up for all the months he had to watch from the sidelines.

‘Coming back from injury and dealing with that, as well as the pandemic was difficult,’ he added. ‘I missed a lot of football because it was postponed when everyone went into lockdown.

‘It was a difficult period for me personally and everyone around the world as well, but hopefully, we can get back to normal soon.’

Ferdinand praises Mount

Rio Ferdinand was left very impressed by Mason Mount’s man-of-the-match performance against Tottenham Hotspur last night.

The England international was vital in Thomas Tuchel’s first derby win as Chelsea head coach as he was the creative focal point for the Blues.

Ferdinand, who was talking on BT Sport which was also repeated in the Daily Mirror, admitted to not understanding why the 22-year-old still faces criticism.

‘I still can’t believe he gets stick. It baffles me,’ he said. ‘I don’t understand where this all comes from around him.’

Mount ranks sixth in the Premier League in shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, from 3.67 in 2019/20 up to 4.56 this season. The former Manchester United defender also believes Mount would be a nightmare to play against.

‘He’s someone I think you’d go into a game and think "it’s going to be hard work playing against him",' he added. ‘He’s always on the move, you rarely see him get the ball with someone touch tight to him.

‘All these clips you see of him, he’s not marked. That’s because people are not marking him, it’s about him staying away from people and freeing himself to create positions to create chances to score goals.’