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

A fresh transfer link from Germany...

According to the Metro, Chelsea have switched our reported left-back search to Croatian Borna Sosa, who is currently playing for Bundesliga side Stuttgart.

It has been widely reported this January that Chelsea are on the lookout for a new left-back in the transfer window, with Ben Chilwell missing long-term through a knee injury.

Reports by the Metro highlight how he was also a target for Premier League side Aston Villa.

‘According to Sky Germany, Chelsea have now cast their net even wider and are weighing up a move for Sosa, as he is capable of playing in multiple roles on the left flank,’ the report states.

‘The report claims that Aston Villa had also targeted the Stuttgart left-back before they sealed their move for Digne.’

Though the story also states that the transfer fee doesn’t wholly attract the Blues.

‘Sky Germany claim that Stuttgart are holding out for a €30 million (£25.1m) transfer fee for the Croatia international, which could put Chelsea off making a move this month.

‘Stuttgart are also reluctant to let Sosa leave as he is a key part of their team and they are currently in a relegation battle in the Bundesliga.’

Ziyech's outstanding contribution subject to praise

BBC Match of the Day pundit Micah Richards has heaped praise on Hakim Ziyech after his stunning goal and performance against Tottenham.

The Moroccan made it two goals in the space of five days with a wonder-strike and that has earnt him plenty of plaudits this morning.

‘He was outstanding to be honest, he was everywhere on the pitch and this is the Ziyech we were used to seeing before at Ajax before,’ Richards said on Match of the Day Two.

‘Whipping in them balls, his confidence in his game and against this Spurs team, he tore them to shreds. They stood off him.’

The former Manchester City and Aston Villa defender also analysed the goal, which he believes Ziyech can replicate week in, week out.

‘It is difficult for the defender [Ryan] Sessegnon. He doesn’t know whether to go with him or not, but you can’t let him come inside on his left foot,’ Richards said. ‘Just look at the finish!

‘This is what they want to see of him. He has got so much ability. He has socred tow in two now, but this is what I like the most about him – the fact he won possession 10 times.’

Premier League likely to see Covid rule changes

The Premier League is set to meet for talks on how they can adapt their Covid cancellation criteria this week and the Daily Mail are reporting that clubs may need to prove at least four positive Covid cases in order to postpone a match.

The report states that a change in the rules is being discussed internally during ‘crisis’ talks.

‘Clubs may soon have to show proof of four positive tests in their squads in order to have a fixture postponed under a significant, hard-line shift in Covid cancellation criteria being examined by the Premier League,’ the story states.

‘Sportsmail understands that a move away from ‘available players’ to ‘active Covid cases’ has been discussed in crisis talks between the league and its members, has already won the backing of as many as 18 clubs and could come into force for the next round of fixtures.’

There have been 22 postponements in the Premier League – none of which have included Chelsea.

‘Currently, sides who want a match called off have to show that they do not have 13 available players plus a goalkeeper, with injuries and absence on international duty taken into consideration,’ the story continues.

‘Instead, to request the calling off of a match, a club would have to show proof of four positive tests within its playing squad, sources have disclosed. And that figure would be seen as a ‘minimum requirement’ rather than an automatic trigger for cancellation.’