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

Hazard to stay put at Real Madrid

Blues icon Eden Hazard will not be making a return to the Premier League anytime soon and will instead fight for his place in Real Madrid’s starting XI, according to reports.

The Belgian left Chelsea in the summer of 2019 after a seven year stay at the club, but has struggled to repeat his form in La Liga from his Premier League days.

A report in the Metro has claimed the 30-year-old is still keen on impressing the Los Blancos faithful, despite being linked with both the Blues and Newcastle in recent weeks.

‘The Real Madrid player is determined to fight for his place under Carlo Ancelotti and will not be on the move in January,’ the report states.

‘Recent reports indicated both Chelsea and Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign Hazard when the transfer window opens, with Madrid prepared to cash in on the attacker for a fraction of the fee they signed him for back in 2019.

‘Marca suggest Hazard has no intention of departing the Bernabeu and is willing to be patient for his opportunities in the second half of the campaign.

‘It’s claimed the out-of-favour Belgium international is aware he’s failed to live up to expectations and is more determined than even to repay the faith shown in him by the club.

‘Madrid would also prefer to keep hold of Hazard until the end of the season and then negotiate a potential departure next summer if his performances fail to improve.

‘The former Chelsea and Lille star, who is valued at around £43m, is tied into a contract with Madrid until June 2024.’

Loftus-Cheek earns top plaudits

Manchester United and England legend Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Ruben Loftus-Cheek and has likened his play to that of Premier League great, Yaya Toure.

Loftus-Cheek was handed his first Champions League start since 2015 on Tuesday night as the Blues travelled to Sweden to face Malmo.

The 25-year-old was impressive in the middle of the park as Chelsea won 1-0 thanks to Hakim Ziyech’s second-half goal, with the European champions moving closer to the knockout stages of the competition.

In a story by the Metro, Loftus-Cheek was described as a ‘fantastic talent’ by the former Manchester United and England defender when speaking to BT Sport.

‘I love him,’ Ferdinand said of Loftus-Cheek. ‘I’ve always known about him from friends at Chelsea.

‘He’s a fantastic specimen, first and foremost. I liken him, in full flow, to someone like Yaya Toure.

‘He can intimidate players. When he turns and goes full pelt, it’s unplayable at times. As a centre back that’s one of your biggest fears.

‘He’s a fantastic talent. He’s as comfortable in the wide areas of a front three as he is in front of the defence. You don’t get that with many players. The strings he has to his bow are beautiful.’

Damien Duff to take on his first ever managerial post

Former Chelsea midfielder Damien Duff is set to be appointed as a manager for the very first time, at League of Ireland club Shelbourne, according to reports.

The 42-year-old has worked behind the scenes in various coaching roles since retiring six years ago, most notably at Celtic and the Ireland national team.

Football.London are reporting this morning that Duff is set to take charge of the Dublin club immediately.

‘An announcement confirming his appointment is expected at midday,’ the story claims.

‘He has been working with the club’s under-17 team and initially turned down the offer of taking control of the first team only to accept the role having been asked to reconsider.

‘It is a starkly different environment to what he knew in a playing career that also took in spells at Fulham, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers.’

Duff will be managing the side who were promoted to the Irish top tier last month, taking over from Ian Morris who has since left the club.