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

Blues linked with Tapsoba

Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba has responded to reports linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Speaking in a report that was repeated in the Metro, Tapsoba gave an update on his future in Germany as he continues to be linked with clubs around Europe.

‘With Chelsea, for the moment, there is nothing concrete, nothing official,’ the centre-back said. ‘What I can is that I will start my season with Bayer Leverkusen.

‘We keep our fingers crossed for God to guide us to the right path.’

The Burkina Faso international has been impressive for Leverkusen since his arrival 18 months ago. While attracting interest from the European elite clubs, Tapsoba still has five years remaining on his current contract.

The report states that the Blues, alongside Manchester United and Arsenal, have made contact to ask about the player’s situation.

Sutton praises Jorginho

Chris Sutton was impressed by Jorginho’s game-winning penalty against Spain that sent Italy into the Euro 2020 final.

Speaking to the BBC, the pundit stated that the penalty and the importance of it could clinch him the Ballon d’Or.

‘How do you do that when there’s so much pressure?’ Sutton asked after the game. ‘He watches the goalkeeper to see where he’s going to move and you have to have so much courage and conviction to take a penalty like that.

‘You have to get that spot on, or you look idiotic. But to back yourself in that moment, that tells you everything you need to know about Jorginho and his confidence.’

The Italian has now made every final in every competition he has played in since moving to Chelsea.

He will be looking to add another European trophy when he returns to Wembley for the final to play either England or Denmark.

‘Lorenzo Insigne said Jorginho should be considered for the Ballon d’Or,’ Sutton continued. ‘He should after that.’

Holland responds to Fabregas

Former Blues assistant coach Steve Holland has replied to Cesc Fabregas labelling him England’s secret weapon at Euro 2020.

Speaking in an interview with TalkSport, Holland thanked the former Blues midfielder, dubbing him as one of the greatest to play the game.

Whenever anybody says something nice about you it’s good,’ Holland said. ‘If a player you ever worked with says something nice, I think that’s nicer.

‘If it’s one of the best players to have ever played the game that says something nice about you, that’s even better still.’

Holland spent six years at Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles, the League Cup, the FA Cup, the Champions League and the Europa League.

‘The fact that one of the players felt I was a positive influence through that was very satisfying, so I appreciated those words.’

Holland is now two games away from winning Euro 2020 as Gareth Southgate’s assistant coach with England.

The Three Lions face Denmark in the semi-finals of Euro 2020 tonight, with the chance to meet Italy in the Wembley final on Sunday the prize for the victors.