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

Blues receive Konate boost

Chelsea have received another positive boost in their reported chase of RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate.

According to German transfer expert Christian Falk, the Blues are ‘very far ahead’ in their pursuit of the Frenchman.

The centre-back has formerly worked with a member of Tuchel’s backroom staff and that could prove to be a big advantage to bring the 22-year-old to Stamford Bridge.

‘The focus is very much on Konate in Leipzig at the moment,’ Falk told BILD. ‘I’ve heard that Chelsea would like to get him.

‘They would like to have him, and Tuchel is learning from Zsolt Low because he knows Konate from their time at Leipzig.’

Chelsea are said to be keen to add another centre-back to their squad and the Frenchman is in very high demand with Manchester United and Liverpool also interested.

Falk believes Low’s previous relationship with Konate could be vital.

‘It is very good for Tuchel,’ he added. ‘That’s why I think they are far ahead.’

Oscar on Mount similarities

Former Blues midfielder Oscar has drawn similarities between himself and Mason Mount.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the Brazilian revealed his admiration for the England international and his style of play.

‘I like him,’ Oscar revealed. ‘Sometimes he doesn’t play like me, but I watch him, and I can see a little bit of me there.

‘I also came to Chelsea when I was so young and played good football.’

Oscar moved to Stamford Bridge in 2012 from Internacional. He scored 38 goals in 203 appearances for Chelsea.

With the Blues, the 29-year-old won two Premier League titles, one League Cup and the Europa League.

Mount has been fantastic this season, netting six times and getting six assists in all competitions.

‘He has everything you need to improve,’ Oscar added. ‘He scores goals, he does important things, and he knows how to defend and attack.’

Ancelotti on Tuchel transformation

Former Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti has been impressed by the work of Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea side.

In his press conference, the Italian spoke about the improvements the German boss has made since he arrived at Stamford Bridge.

‘Offensively they play a little bit different,’ the Everton manager stated. ‘Not too much because the players are still the same.

‘They are consistent because they haven’t lost games under Tuchel.’

The German has gone unbeaten in his first 10 games in England and could find his team four points off second place with a win over Everton.

This will be the seventh time the two managers have faced each other, and Ancelotti has praised Tuchel’s work so far in his career.

‘He has the quality,’ he continued. ‘He’s a young manager but he’s had experience in Germany and Paris.

‘He is a manager with a lot of knowledge and of course a lot of ambition. Because he’s young.’