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

Blues linked with Freiburg forward

According to the Sun, Chelsea are set to open talks with Bundesliga side Freiburg for young striker Luca Waldschmidt.

The report indicates the Blues are looking to complete a possible £20 million deal for the 23-year-old, who impressed at the 2019 European Under-21 Championship and made his international debut for Germany last October.

‘Waldschmidt has won two senior caps following his sensational performance in last year’s European Under-21 Championship in Italy, where he banged in seven goals in four games,’ states the report.

‘The locals were so impressed with the starlet they named him ‘Il Bomber’ in a nod to West Germany’s legend Gerd Muller, who was known as ‘Der Bomber’.

‘Frank Lampard has been on Waldschmidt’s trail since and wants to bring him to the Premier League. Chelsea think Waldschmidt can improve and that he will develop when he learns to use his physique.’

Waldschmidt has scored five goals in 15 league matches for Freiburg this season.

Ex-Bantam to auction off Chelsea shirt

The Evening Standard reports former Bradford City striker Billy Clarke plans to sell a shirt worn by Cesc Fabregas in the Bantams’ FA Cup win at Stamford Bridge five years ago in order to raise money for the National Health Service.

Clarke, who now plays for Grimsby Town, was in Bradford side which came from 2-0 down to stun the Premier League leaders 4-2 in January 2015 and exchanged shirts with Fabregas after the game.

However, the 32-year-old has decided to put it up for auction along with his own shirt from the match in order to help out a good cause.

‘Everyone knows Bradford isn't an affluent area so when everyone is getting laid off or furloughed there might be people who are struggling to feed their families,’ said Clarke to the PA news agency.

‘I've had the shirts since the game and I planned on putting them up on the wall but I've got first-hand memories. If it helps all the charities and if it gives someone a smile that's good enough for me and it's the least I can do.

‘Everyone knows how hard the people of the NHS work and the funding wasn't and isn't great. If I can make a small contribution and it helps only a handful of people that's enough.’

Gilmour is a class talent: McAvennie

Former Scotland international Frank McAvennie has told Goal.com Billy Gilmour is ready to play for Scotland’s senior squad and tipped the teenager to form a solid partnership at international level with Scott McTominay.

‘Gilmour is class. He is really a class talent,’ said McAvennie. ‘He has been fighting for games at Chelsea for some time. When I went to West Ham, I came to England to play against the best.

‘That’s what he has done by leaving Scotland and choosing Chelsea. He is doing magnificently in midfield. Frank Lampard is giving him a chance and I don’t think too many others would have given him a chance.

‘I think in a couple of years that Chelsea could be a team to be reckoned with. I think they are a bit too young to challenge this year or next year but I am looking for the year after that when that talent matures.’

According to McAvennie, the rise of Gilmour bodes well for Scotland who are now managed by former Chelsea defender Steve Clarke.

‘Steve Clarke is a friend of mine and manages Scotland but I will still say, if he doesn’t put him in the Scotland squad then I will be surprised. He might be young and new but he bullied those Liverpool players, then he did it again to Everton,’ added the former striker.

‘I was watching him and thinking this is incredible and then I was so proud to be Scottish. Credit to Rangers for bringing him through as well. Good luck to him and I hope he keeps playing well, gets in the Scotland team and dictates the play.

‘If Scott McTominay plays alongside him then we can have a great midfield with a big lad in there too. The Celtic boys have tried to do well for Scotland but we have not got to any tournaments or even come close to it. These young boys have to have that chance to do it now.’