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

Zenden believes Lampard can do well at Chelsea

According to the Mirror, former Chelsea midfielder Boudewijn Zenden feels Frank Lampard can do well as head coach of the Blues and believes the nature of his appointment is similar to Pep Guardiola taking up the role at Barcelona 11 years ago

Zenden and Lampard both joined Chelsea as players in the summer of 2001 and they also worked together when the Dutchman was an assistant coach for the club during the 2012/13 season.

Sharing his knowledge of his former team-mate, Zenden said the 41-year-old could do as well as Pep Guardiola, who was only 37 and had no experience of coaching a top-flight team before he becema head coach of Barcelona in 2008.

‘I know Frank did very well at Derby County, so it was a good time for him to go to Chelsea,’ said Zenden.

‘Guardiola was only young when he was appointed at Barcelona, so I don’t see why this is any different.

‘He can do well, he is a clever guy and earned his stripes as a player. Who knows how it will go? But he is bright and deserves a chance.’

The Mirror also conducted an interview with ex-Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov, who is impressed with Lampard’s management of the Blues and has tipped us to finish in the top four of the Premier League once again, ahead of his former club.

‘Unfortunately I need to say it but I think Manchester City will be champions again, then Liverpool. They are the top two,’ said the Bulgarian.

‘Then I think Spurs and then Chelsea. I say Chelsea because I saw them play under Frank Lampard and I like his philosophy a lot.

‘And then of course you have the usual suspects, Arsenal and Man United.’

Drinkwater linked with Brighton move

The Daily Mail reports Danny Drinkwater could be headed to the south coast to join Brighton on loan for the upcoming season.

With the midfielder missing last Saturday’s trip to Germany for our pre-season match against Borussia Monchengladbach, the paper suggests the midfielder could be about to join the Seagulls.

‘Drinkwater failed to play under Maurizio Sarri and while he has had a limited chance under Frank Lampard has been unable to stake a claim for a first team starting place,’ stated the Mail.

‘Brighton signed defender Adam Webster for £22m from Bristol City on Saturday and still want a striker with Youssef En Nesyri of Leganes and Neal Maupay of Brentford among their targets.

‘However, (Brighton manager) Graham Potter would also like an anchor man in his midfield and tentative approaches have been made to take Drinkwater on loan.’

Eagles tipped as favourites to sign Cahill

According to the Sun, Crystal Palace are favourites to sign former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill, who is a free agent after his contract with the Blues expired at the end of June.

Cahill has been linked with several clubs since his departure from Stamford Bridge including Aston Villa, West Ham United, Arsenal, Burnley and Galatasaray but Selhurst Park now appears to be his likely destination.

‘The centre- half, 33, is keen to stay near his family base in London and hopes to land a lucrative £75,000-a-week deal,’ states the report.

‘Palace have been quiet in the market so far but Cahill’s capture would be a coup as they try to strengthen their squad without spending fortunes.

‘Cahill has also been speaking to other clubs. But Palace tried for him in the last window and are working hard to get their man this time.

‘Burnley have been linked with Cahill but with no more interest in James Tarkowski expected, they do not need the ex-Aston Villa man now.

‘Foreign clubs are also lurking for the classy defender too — but the most likely solution is a move closer to home at Selhurst Park.’