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

Germany international set to leave Bayern

Reported Chelsea target Niklas Sule has turned down the option to continue his stay at Bayern Munich and as such will become a free agent in the summer.

The defender has been at the club since 2017 after moving to Munich from Hoffenheim, but the 26-year-old now looks set to depart following unsuccessful contract talks.

‘Bayern Munich chairman Oliver Kahn has confirmed Niklas Sule will leave the club when his contract expires this summer,’ a report in the Daily Mail states.

Sule has won four Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokals and the Champions League to show for his 158 appearances for the German giants.

‘Sule is now planning to leave the Allianz Arena on a free transfer after failing to reach an agreement with the club over an extension.

‘Sule is unlikely to be short of offers this summer, as reports suggest Chelsea, Newcastle and Barcelona are all interested in snapping him up on a free,’ the report continues.

‘Chelsea are on the hunt for reinforcements at the back amid doubts over the future of three key defenders.’

Joe Cole compares Tuchel to Mourinho

Chelsea legend Joe Cole believes the impact that head coach Thomas Tuchel has had in his first year at the Blues has only been equalled by Jose Mourinho.

Tuchel has won 40 of his initial 67 Chelsea games and already won two trophies, and reached three finals in his time at the club.

Speaking to The Sun, Joe Cole has lauded the job the Bavarian has done thus far.

‘Barring Mourinho’s first spell, he has had the biggest impact of anyone managing Chelsea. He is universally loved and respected by everyone at the training ground,’ Cole said.

‘Chelsea is a very successful club but it can be turbulent. A lot of managers can buckle under that pressure — even experienced ones.

‘But the way the players have responded to him has been great. You couldn’t have envisaged a better first year in charge. Thomas is a very smart man who recognised the quality players straight away.

‘But he also recognised the soul and style of the club; he understands the history of the club. He gets it,’ Cole added.

‘When I went to Cobham to interview a few players, he came over for a chat and is an impressive guy. As an ex-player, sometimes you can go into a club and it can be uncomfortable with certain managers.

‘He was very welcoming. It says a lot for his emotional intelligence. Everyone I speak to at the club feels embraced by him. That takes a character who can do that.’

Diego Costa close to finding a new club

Ex-Chelsea striker Diego Costa is close to joining Serie A side Salernitana, according to reports in Italy.

The club has recently been taken over by the same owners as Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio side and look set to make free agent Diego Costa one of their first signings.

‘It’s reported bottom of the table Salernitana have convinced Diego Costa to join as a free agent,’ the report by Football Italia states.

‘The 33-year-old is a free agent after his experience with Atletico Mineiro and had also been linked with Newcastle United.

‘However, it’s reported he has agreed personal terms with Salernitana instead, as Sabatini had already met with Costa when working for Bologna last season.

‘It would form a spectacular attacking partnership with Franck Ribery, who already joined Salernitana over the summer.’