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

Blues linked with Odegaard

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Real Madrid midfielder Martin Odegaard.

According to Fichajes, the Blues are keeping their eye on the Norwegian as speculation continues about his future in the Spanish capital.

Real Madrid are looking to offload a number of their players to raise funds for top targets this summer. After the departure of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, the 22-year-old playmaker could be the next one to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.

Odegaard spent the last six months of last season on loan with Arsenal where he received a taste of life in the Premier League.

The midfielder appeared nine times for the Gunners, scoring one goal and picking up two assists.

If the Blues want to bring Odegaard to Stamford Bridge, they will have to fight off interest from Arsenal and Liverpool who are also reportedly interested in signing the player.

Shevchenko leaves Ukraine job

Former Blues forward Andriy Shevchenko has left his role as manager of Ukraine.

The 44-year-old confirmed it on his Instagram account, just weeks after leading his country to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.

‘My contract with the Ukrainian Football Association has come to an end,’ he wrote. ‘I spent five years with the national team. It was hard work that proved that we are capable of playing modern football.

‘I am grateful to the president and the executive committee of the UAF for the opportunity to work with the Ukrainian national team.’

Shevchenko oversaw 52 matches as Ukraine boss, including five games at this summer’s Euros before getting knocked out by Gareth Southgate’s England in the quarter-finals.

‘I am thankful for every player, every person who helped and was involved in the team,’ the former striker added. ‘Many thanks to the fans for all their support and criticism.

‘Together, we managed to show that our football can be competitive, productive and exciting.’

Conte to join Sky Sports

According to Corriere Della Sera, former Blues manager Antonio Conte is on the verge of joining Sky Sports Italia as a pundit for the 2021/22 campaign.

The 51-year-old announced he was taking a break from football management after he departed from his role as Inter Milan boss despite winning the club’s first Serie A title for over a decade.

It is also claimed the Italian had offers to remain in management from Real Madrid and most recently Tottenham, but the Premier League winner will be taking his football insight to the studio.

The report states that Conte has been offered a job to be a special guest pundit on Sky. The Italian will reportedly be taking high-calibre games, including the Champions League, Premier League and big FA Cup ties.

The Italian spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League title in his first season.