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

Blues to target Rice?

Chelsea are one of a trio of Premier League clubs lining up a summer move for West Ham’s Declan Rice, according to reports.

The England international joined the Hammers in 2014 after eight years in Chelsea’s Academy, and has since racked up 173 appearances for the east London club.

According to a report by The Independent, Chelsea will have to battle with both Manchester clubs – City and United – for his signature.

‘West Ham may rue their transfer window inactivity as The Telegraph reports a number of Premier League giants are to step up their pursuit of Declan Rice,’ the story states.

‘According to the paper, West Ham’s idleness in January has signalled to Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City that the 23-year-old England international could be prized away from London Stadium in the summer.’

Lampard recounts FA Cup celebration

Everton boss Frank Lampard has jokingly apologised for his 2009 FA Cup final celebration.

The Chelsea legend completed a Blues comeback after Louis Saha scored just one minute in for Everton. After Didier Drogba equalised, Lampard then replicated his father’s celebration when his 72nd minute strike went in.

A story by JOE cites Lamaprd’s first interview as Toffees boss where he recounts that memeorable day in May 2009.

‘I have got a lot of making up to do on that front - and I do apologise,’ Lampard said.

‘With my dad, I had grown up hearing all the stories - and it was about the only time he scored in his career. Obviously he broke Everton fans’ hearts at the time, a long time ago.

‘I scored in the Cup final. It was one of those things as a player. I went up against Everton a lot and I had some good days and bad days,’ Lampard continued.

‘But I am here to absolutely represent the club and I will try and make up for those moments.’

Robot referees to be trialled at Club World Cup

Chelsea will be part of a refereeing trial by FIFA at next week’s Club World Cup.

The use of ‘robot referees’, which gives automatic calls such as offsides within seconds, will be trialled in Abu Dhabi.

A report by Football.London states how the technology will be used.

‘Chelsea will experience the latest trial of ‘robot referees’ at next week’s Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi, with the new technology making automatic offside decisions within half a second,’ the report states.

‘The limb-tracking system, which relies on special cameras attached to the roofs of stadiums and creates an animated skeleton of players through 29 data points, will speed up decision-making around marginal offside calls.

‘Video assistant referees will receive a near-instant alert to whether the technology determines a player is onside or not and that will then be immediately relayed to the referee.

‘The governing body [FIFA] hopes to implement it fully in time for November’s World Cup.'