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

Blues linked to Hungarian defender

Chelsea are lining up a move for Fenerbahce and Hungary international Attila Szalai, according to reports.

The Blues are keen on getting the Hungarian in January and with the Turkish club keen to raise funds, a move looks likely according to The Sun.

The report states that other Premier League cubs have already expressed interest in the defender in the past.

‘Reports in both Turkey and Hungary now claim that Chelsea have been on Szalai's trail throughout this season,' the report explains.

‘The Premier League leaders are said to be preparing a £17million offer for the 6ft, 4in powerhouse.

‘And Fenerbahce are understood to be ready to sell their prize asset in order to fund a mid-season,’ the report states.

‘He played in both Hungary's recent World Cup qualifiers against England - a 4-0 home loss in Budapest and last month's impressive 1-1 draw at Wembley.

‘Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is now thought to be considering Szalai as an eventual successor for 36-year-old Thiago Silva.’

Emenalo nearing Premier League return

Former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo is the frontrunner to join Newcastle United as director of football.

The Nigerian operated in his role at Chelsea for six years before joining Monaco and it is being reported that he could soon be following new manager Eddie Howe to Tyneside.

A report in The Guardian states that the 56-year-old is keen on the move and a return to a Premier League job.

‘As Eddie Howe arrived on Tyneside to start work as Newcastle United’s new manager on Monday, it emerged that Michael Emenalo could soon be joining him at St James’ Park,’ the report in The Guardian says.

‘Newcastle are keen to recruit a director of football and Emenalo, the former Nigeria international who previously filled that role at Chelsea and, more recently, at Monaco is now the front-runner after being interviewed by the club’s Saudi Arabian majority shareholders in Jeddah last week.’

Hazard named as Alexander-Arnold's toughest opponent

England international Trent Alexander-Arnold has named Blues icon Eden Hazard as the toughest opponent he has faced in his short career so far.

The Belgian spent a successful seven years at Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, the FA Cup and the League Cup.

In a report by the Metro, citing an interview with Amazon Prime Sport, the Liverpool man was quick to name the Blues legend as his hardest ever opponent.

‘Eden Hazard, yeah,’ Alexander-Arnold said when asked the question.

‘The best by probably a little bit of a distance.

‘Maybe [Kevin] De Bruyne, but directly against an opponent would have to be Hazard.

‘Speed, agility, his awareness and his intelligence on and off the ball is unreal.’