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

Blues looking at centre-back

Chelsea are reportedly increasing their pursuit of Ibrahima Konate.

According to BILD, the Blues are set to target the French centre-back for the summer.

This has come after Bayern Munich announced the signing of Dayot Upamecano. His centre-back partner and countryman is also regarded as one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe.

German journalist Christian Falk tweeted the confirmation that English clubs would be concentrating on the 21-year-old as we approach the summer transfer window.

The Blues are reportedly looking to bring in a centre-back in the summer with David Alaba and Niklas Sule also on the shortlist.

The Frenchman has made 13 appearances this season for Julian Nagelsmann’s side and is trying to get back to full fitness after suffering a serious injury last season.

Gallagher living Premier League dream

Conor Gallagher believes his previous loan spells in the Championship have prepared him for Premier League football.

The Chelsea loanee has been impressive at West Bromwich Albion under Slaven Bilic and now Sam Allardyce, becoming an important member of the squad at just 21 years old.

‘I played 47 games in the Championship last season including the play-offs,’ the midfielder said in an interview that was picked up on sports site Tribal Football. ‘I was at Charlton in the first half of the season and then Swansea in the second half of the season.

‘They were great loan spells for me and even though they were both short I learnt a lot.’

The Chelsea Academy graduate scored six times and got 11 assists in the Championship last season and has fitted in well in his first full season in the Premier League.

‘With both teams, I became a better player and better person, and I did well, so I was ready to make the step up,’ he added. ‘Chelsea thought so too – they wanted me to play in the Premier League.’

So far this season, Gallagher has featured 18 times for West Brom in the Premier League, with two goals and one assist to his name.

Costa to join Palmeiras

Diego Costa is reportedly set to join his childhood club Palmeiras after 15 years in Europe.

According to Sky Sports, the former Blues forward will return home to Sao Paulo after terminating his Atletico Madrid contract in January. He is reportedly set to sign a two-year-deal with the Brazilian side.

The 32-year-old was linked with clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia with Al-Shabab coming close to agreeing on a deal with the Spanish international.

The report also suggests he was tipped for a return to the Premier League, with one top six club offering him a contract until the end of the season, which he turned down.

Costa joined the Blues in 2014 and won three trophies with the club, including two Premier League titles in 2015 and 2017.