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

Chelsea to join Traore chase?

The Sun is suggesting that Chelsea could join Tottenham in the hunt for Wolves wideman Adama Traore.

The Spaniard has been linked with the exit door at Molineux this month, with Spurs the frontrunners for his signature.

However the tabloid newspaper believes the Blues could hijack any move.

‘Chelsea could reportedly hijack Tottenham’s move for Wolves star Adama Traore,’ the report states.

‘Thomas Tuchel is interested in landing the versatile right-sider, 25, this month despite reports claiming Spurs are close to a £20million transfer.

‘Antonio Conte is a big fan of Traore and could even use ex-Wolves ace Matt Doherty as a makeweight.

‘There had been interest from West Ham in Traore, but Spurs are now ready to sell Steven Bergwijn to fund an immediate swoop.

‘However, Conte could now be set to face strong competition from old side Chelsea for Traore’s services.

‘Blues boss Tuchel wants to land a new right wing-back following an injury to Reece James. And Traore, who can also play in a front three, ticks all the boxes.’

Barcelona want Oscar

Former Chelsea midfielder, Oscar, is being eyed by Barcelona according to reports.

The Metro is suggesting the Brazilian could swap his lucrative contract in China to switch to the Nou Camp this month.

‘Barcelona have made contact with Shanghai Port, and former Chelsea, midfielder Oscar but a deal to sign the Brazilian is difficult given his gigantic contract in China’ reports the Metro.

‘The 30-year-old has been playing in Shanghai since leaving Stamford Bridge in 2017, winning the Chinese Super League the year after departing the Premier League.

‘He has not won a cap for Brazil since moving to China, so has not been playing at a high level for five years, but Barcelona are reportedly keen to give him another shot in Europe.

‘Brazilian publication TNT Sports report that Barca have made contact with Oscar this month, although progress is difficult given that he is under contract in Shanghai until 2024 and is paid vast wages by the club.

‘Barcelona’s financial situation appears to have become less perilous than it was in the summer when Lionel Messi was forced to leave the club, but they are still very limited in terms of signings.

‘The Catalan club could not get close to competing with Oscar’s wages in China and would hope that he is willing to accept a substantial pay cut to play in La Liga.

‘They would also find any transfer fee hard to come by, with Shanghai Port unlikely to let the Brazilian leave cheaply with two years left to run on his contract.’

Chesterfield man praises Kovacic

Mateo Kovacic has been labelled ‘so, so good’ by Chesterfield midfielder Manny Oyeleke.

Oyeleke – who spent time in the Chelsea Academy as a youngster – was in the Spireites side that were beaten 5-1 by the Blues in the FA Cup third round last weekend and singled out Kovacic as his toughest opponent when speaking to The Atheltic.

‘I happened to be up against (Mateo) Kovacic — he is so, so good,’ Oyeleke explained to The Atheltic.

‘He’s so quick on the counter-attack. It’s the little touches and the little runs, he’s really sharp.

‘It was my job to stop him as he was on my side. It was tough but enjoyable seeing him up close and seeing what he does.

‘The little no-looks (passes). He was probably only in second gear as well which lets you know how high the levels are at Chelsea.’