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

Chelsea linked to Rice

The Blues have reportedly received a transfer update about West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.

Writing for Eurosport, journalist Dean Jones believes Thomas Tuchel still has the chance to bring the midfielder to Stamford Bridge next summer.

The German boss is reportedly looking to further strengthen his midfield and the England international’s versatility also allows him to fill in at centre-back.

‘Rice is expected to become the centre of a three-way tussle next summer as Manchester City and Manchester United re-join the race to sign him,’ the report stated.

‘Chelsea were seen as the side most likely to agree on a transfer for him this summer and the player himself was open to returning to the club he grew up at.’

The 22-year-old’s contract expires in three years, and reports state that he has indicated that he will not be signing a new deal and that the club should let him know about potential offers.

Bent backs Lukaku

Former England striker Darren Bent believes Romelu Lukaku will outscore Cristiano Ronaldo this season.

Speaking on TalkSport, the pundit backed the Blues’ creative stars to set up more chances for the Belgian forward.

‘I think when you look at Chelsea and look at the goals they get, I think a lot of them will go through Lukaku,’ Bent said. ‘Ronaldo might not even play all the games, but if Lukaku is fit he’s playing.’

The 28-year-old who’s just made his 100th appearance for Belgium has had a fine start to the season for both club and country.

‘You look at Lukaku, Chelsea brought him for a purpose in terms of he has to play,’ Bent continued. ‘That was the missing piece of the jigsaw for me.

‘Lukaku is already 1-0 up in goals against Ronaldo, he’s already got a head start.’

Chelsea youngster credits Tuchel for positive loan start

Levi Colwill believes Thomas Tuchel has played an important role in his good start to the season.

Speaking to Goal.com, the centre-back revealed that training with the first-team gave him confidence to play well when he was sent on loan to Huddersfield Town.

‘Training under Tuchel definitely gave me confidence,’ Colwill admitted. ‘It showed that Chelsea trust me.

‘Being with the first-team helped me ahead of coming to Huddersfield.’

The 18-year-old has made five appearances at the heart of the Huddersfield defence and has also scored his first professional goal.

‘As an 18-year-old coming to the Championship as a centre-half from Chelsea, it may have led to everyone asking questions,’ Colwill added about his loan to the Championship.

‘I needed to prove myself, but for the manager to trust me and bring me in, all I can say is thank you for trusting me.’