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

Blues eye in form Frenchman

According to The Sun, the Blues are in the race to sign French forward Cristopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.

The 23-year-old has started the season in fine form, scoring four and assisting two in his first six Bundesliga games, as well as a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

And that performance at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season is said to have prompted the Premier League champions into entering the battle for his signature, according to the tabloid.

‘Chelsea are in talks with RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku, according to reports,’ states the paper.

‘Nkunku played under Thomas Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain, prior to his 2019 move to Leipzig.

‘And the German boss is keen to work with the midfield superstar again after taking a huge leap forward since heading to the Bundesliga.

‘The incredible showing also caught the eye of Pep Guardiola, with the Etihad chief also in talks with Nkunku.

‘The midfielder's agent, Pini Zahavi, has confirmed he is in talks with Chelsea, Man City and Real Madrid over a summer 2022 switch, according to Foot Mercato.

‘Nkunku is under contract at RB Leipzig until the end of the 2023-24 season.’

Real Madrid are also said to have raised an interest in the attacking midfielder, and a move from RB Leipzig is reportedly likely to happen next summer.

Ranieri returns to the Premier League

Claudio Ranieri has returned to the English top flight, signing a two-year contract to become Watford’s new head coach.

The Hornets are the Italian’s 22nd managerial club, after he guided Sampdoria to a top-half finish in Serie A last season.

Along with his four-year tenure at Stamford Bridge, where he improved our points tally in every season, he has also managed at Fulham and Leicester City in the Premier League.

The former Blues boss will have to wait until the final day of the 2021/22 campaign to return to Stamford Bridge.

‘Watford FC is delighted to confirm the appointment of Claudio Ranieri as the club’s new Head Coach, on a two-year contract,’ a statement on the Hornets’ official club website read.

‘The Italian arrives at Vicarage Road boasting a wealth of experience in charge of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Premier League, Coppa Italia and Copa del Rey titles among his managerial highlights.’

Chelsea and Man United fans come together to restore grave

The Mirror is reporting that a set of supporters from both Chelsea and Manchester United have worked together to restore the grave of former player, Harold Halse.

Halse became the first player to feature in three FA Cup finals for separate clubs – the Blues, United and Aston Villa – before passing away 1947 and being buried in a small seaside Essex village.

Now groups of fans from both Chelsea and United have come together to restore his grave, according to the report.

‘Football fans from rival clubs are getting together to restore the grave of one of the games most legendary player,’ the Mirror states.

‘Harold Halse was the first man to ever play in FA Cup finals for three separate teams – Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

‘But he became forgotten and when he died in 1947 he was buried with little ceremony in an Essex seaside resort. His grave became derelict.

‘Weeds are growing out of it and not only does it not mention his football fame, it's virtually impossible to read his name.

‘But now thanks to the extraordinary detective work of a member of the Chelsea Graves Society it is going to be restored.

'And the CGS have teamed up with a Manchester United supporters group to try and get Halse the grave he deserves.'