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

Di Canio on Rice rumours

Former West Ham forward Paolo Di Canio has responded to rumours linking midfielder Declan Rice with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to TalkSport, Di Canio admitted he is not shocked seeing transfer links resurface given the player’s performances at Euro 2020.

‘He’s very good,’ Di Canio said of Rice. ‘It’s not a coincidence in England that Chelsea are there because they may want something like him.

‘They have N’Golo Kante but to have Rice at this time of his career, at his age, with the prospect that he can become one of the best in his position, with all his physical presence because he is also tall.’

As recently reported, the midfielder has apparently rejected two new contract extension deals from West Ham with many suggesting he could leave the London club this summer.

‘He’s good at intercepting the ball and pressing the opponent,’ Di Canio added. ‘He is one of the best.’

Mount inspiring students at former school

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has continued to be a form of inspiration for students at his old school after helping England beating Denmark 2-1 to reach the Euro 2020 final.

Speaking to ITV, one of his teachers at Purbrook Park School in Portsmouth praised the 22-year-old for always backing himself to play for Chelsea and England one day.

‘He could tell you in year nine, at the age of 14 that he was going to play for Chelsea, and he was going to play for England,’ his former head of year said.

‘You love seeing that ambition in pupils, but he was absolutely adamant that was what he was doing and he has, it’s amazing.’

Last night, Mount became the first Chelsea player to ever play in a semi-final of a major international tournament for England.

Tyldesley hails Hayes

Emma Hayes’ punditry during Euro 2020 has brought her plenty of praise, making her one of the most popular pundits during the competition.

Speaking to the subscription-based Telegraph, legendary commentator Clive Tyldesley praised the Chelsea coach for her recent success behind the microphone so quickly.

‘It’s to her immense credit that she has resonated with so many people and made such an impact,’ Tyldesley said. ‘You can be the most successful coach in the world, you can be Pep Guardiola, but actually, this is a different skill.

‘You have to come into it with humility and do your homework. Don’t underplay the amount of attention Hayes will have given to trying to be as good a broadcaster as she can be.’

Hayes was back on ITV last night doing touchline analysis as England triumphed over Denmark to reach their first European Championship final.

‘There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s got her game face on when she comes into commentary,’ Tyldesley continued. ‘She’s proud of her work, she cares. She’s taken on the job of co-commentating as seriously as she does coaching a football team.’