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

Sevilla open to negotiations for Kounde

Chelsea will go back in for Jules Kounde in the January transfer window, according to reports.

Reports suggest that Sevilla are willing to discuss a January tranfer for the Frenchman with Chelsea one of the clubs monitoring his situation.

ESPN state the valuation which reportedly put Chelsea off in the summer may be lowered.

‘Chelsea are still pursuing Sevilla's Jules Kounde, sources told ESPN, with the possibility of a move in January not off the table as the La Liga club are willing to drop their €80 million valuation,' explains the media report.

‘While sources said a move for Kounde is more likely in the summer, a January transfer has not been ruled out.

‘Tuchel is a huge admirer of Kounde, sources said, with his interest dating back to when he was Paris Saint-Germain manager and Kounde was at Bordeaux.

‘Chelsea were in direct negotiations with Sevilla over the transfer of Kounde last summer but a move broke down when neither side could agree on a fee for the France international,’ the report adds.

‘Sources told ESPN that Kounde is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and the 23-year-old is believed to have agreed the framework of a four or five-year contract.’

The report also named two other defenders that are apparently on the club’s list of targets.

‘Tuchel and Chelsea's recruitment team have their eye on other options in case they cannot land Kounde, sources said. Sven Botman, the Netherlands international at Lille, as well as Wolfsburg's Maxence Lacroix are also targets as Tuchel looks to strengthen his backline.’

Broja continues to fire for Saints

Chelsea loanee Armando Broja has attracted even more positive comments on his recent performances for Southampton after netting again in midweek.

The Albanian scored against Crystal Palace in the 2-2 draw to make it six goals and maintain his lead as the club’s top goalscorer.

Speaking on BT Sport, cited by Hampshire Live, the pair agreed that Broja’s fine form is only benefitting his chances of one day playing for the Blues.

‘He looks the part, doesn't he?’ Keown said. ‘He seems really confident and he is growing in stature, but this is great for Chelsea with players out on loan doing the business.

‘Now they know they can come back and get into the team because the manager will do that for them.’

‘I’ve worked with him and he is a real talented player,’ said former player Joe Cole.

‘He was a little bit raw in and around the box, but he had such a great attitude, working hard every day, and he is getting his rewards now,’ Cole added.

‘He is another one out of the Chelsea academy, they just keep producing them.’

Drogba takes to Twitter for classy touch

Chelsea icon Didier Drogba has sent a heartfelt message to Premier League great Sergio Aguero after he announced he is retiring aged 33.

The Argentinian was recently diagnosed with a heart condition and despite only joining Barcelona in the summer, believes the best decision was to end his phenomenal career.

Taking to Twitter, Drogba shared a respectful tribute to Aguero, who scored 260 goals for Manchester City.

‘Sad I won’t see your amazing goals again.’ Drogba wrote. ‘Great career Aguero, imagine me and you up front!'

The former Atletico Madrid and Man City player scored 184 goals in the Premier League, compared to Drogba’s 104.