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

Chelsea interested in Belotti

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Andrea Belotti in the summer.

According to a report in Corriere Granata, the striker is holding off contract extension talks after Torino’s poor league position this season. The Italian club is 17th in Serie A and finished 16th last season.

The report states that the Italian has a release clause of £100 million but the Blues may have the opportunity to sign the 27-year-old for a quarter of that in the summer.

This is not the first time Chelsea are looking at Belotti as many reports state that he was an option in 2017, the year Alvaro Morata moved to Stamford Bridge.

Belotti is in high demand this summer, with all major Italian clubs wanting his signature. Tottenham and Everton are also interested, along with the rumoured competition.

The Italian talisman has made 27 appearances in all competitions for Torino and has scored 11 times and created six assists.

Pundits praise Mount

Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand were left impressed with how Mason Mount finished Chelsea’s opener against Porto in last night’s Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Speaking on BT Sport, the former England internationals explained what made the 22-year-old so special.

‘He’s a manager’s dream,’ Cole said. ‘He has the natural ability to impact a game.

‘He does the tactics down to a “T” off the ball, in the difficult spell just before Tuchel came in, he stood up. He is a leader.’

Alongside being the youngest Chelsea player to score in the knockout stages of the Champions League, Mount’s clever finish was his first goal for the Blues in the competition.

‘It was a beautiful first touch from Mount,’ Ferdinand said. ‘What I like about Mount is his movement off the ball and getting beyond defenders.

‘He will get more opportunities if players pick out his runs.’

Essien tips Blues to win Champions League

Michael Essien thinks Chelsea have a chance to win the Champions League this season.

Speaking on Talksport, the former Blues midfielder also discussed how impressed he was with the work Thomas Tuchel has done since his arrival.

‘I think they can win it,’ Essien said about Chelsea’s chances in this year’s competition. ‘If they win the Champions League that would be a great achievement for the players and the football club.’

Our German boss also became the second Blues manager to win his first three Champions League knockout games. The last man to do so was Roberto Di Matteo, who went on to win the tournament.

‘He’s come in and is doing a great job at the moment,’ the Ghanaian said about Tuchel, ‘I think he’s the right man for the team.

‘We just have to support him and wish him very well. Hopefully, he can continue the job he’s doing at the moment with the football club and the players he’s got.’