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

Blues face competition for Kounde

Chelsea are reportedly still in negotiations with Jules Kounde’s representatives over a summer move.

The French defender has been heavily linked to the club in the media since last summer and one journalist reports those discussions are still taking place.

Kounde has played 30 times for Sevilla this season, across four competitions.

‘Update on Jules Kounde. His management is still in talks with Chelsea,’ Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenburg tweeted.

‘But with Real Madrid and Barcelona as well! It is said that all teams have chances to get him in summer. FC Bayern was no hot topic so far.’

West Brom and England keeper linked

The Blues have reportedly expressed an interest in signing West Brom shot-stopper Sam Johnstone.

Reports by Football League World highlight how Chelsea may take advantage of his expiring contract this summer.

‘Chelsea have reportedly joined the race for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone but may face competition from London rivals West Ham United,’ the report states.

‘The 28-year-old’s contract at The Hawthorns is set to expire this summer and with promotion back to the Premier League growing increasingly unlikely for the Baggies, it doesn’t seem as though he will agree new terms.

‘That will mean the England international will be available as a free agent and it appears he won’t be short of suitors,’ the story adds.

‘Manchester United, the club at which Johnstone started his career, have also been linked with the keeper in the last month.’

Merson on Chelsea’s ‘Rolls Royce’ player

Paul Merson believes Kai Havertz should be one of the first names on Chelsea’s team-sheet.

‘Havertz has always got to play. He is one of Chelsea’s best players. People forget he is class, he knits things together. He’s a Rolls Royce, he glides round the pitch,’ Merson said in his Sky Sports column, quoted by Football 365.

‘He doesn’t do the hustle and bustle, winning 50/50 tackles and all the kind of stuff. People think he’s a bit lazy, but he’s a Rolls Royce. Different class, and he always has to play,’ Merson added.

The former Arsenal man also explained why he believes Chelsea and Liverpool could win this year’s Champions League.

‘I watched the game on Sunday and those two are not going to be a million miles away from winning the Champions League.

‘They have got the best two defences in Europe and if you want to win Champions League football over two legs, you need to keep clean sheets.

‘I think those teams have the ammunition going forward. People will say: “Well, it was 0-0”, but it was not a 0-0 game, was it? It was outstanding.’