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

Blues target Ginter

Chelsea-linked Matthias Ginter has revealed his desire to play European football.

The defender is starting to generate rumours of leaving Borussia Monchengladbach as the club continues to sit outside the qualifying positions for the Champions League next season.

Speaking to Sky Germany, his comments could boost the Blues’ efforts of signing the player soon.

‘Everyone wants to play in Europe,’ Ginter said. ‘But there are few other criteria that play that role.’

The World Cup winner is approaching the final 12 months of his current deal and could be a free agent in 2022.

Thomas Tuchel will be aware of the defender's talents as they spent time together while at Borussia Dortmund.

More uncertainty has been added by Monchengladbach after manager Marco Rose agreed to take over at Dortmund next season. Whoever is in charge next will determine if Chelsea can make a move for Ginter.

‘We’ll see what happens with the coaching team,’ he added. ‘There have been no talks about it yet.

‘I’m very open to staying.’

Sutton backs Blues to beat Real Madrid

Chris Sutton believes this Chelsea side have what it takes to beat Real Madrid in tonight’s semi-final of the Champions League.

Writing in his column in the Daily Mail, the former forward revealed how Thomas Tuchel’s men can pass the big test when they face the Spanish giants.

‘There is no doubt which of these sides is the more experienced heading into the semi-finals,’ he said.

‘The way Tuchel’s Chelsea knockout Zinedine Zidane’s Madrid is by frustrating them, by being patient and pouncing.’

The Blues have been very good in the Champions League this season defensively and have conceded once in the knockout stages.

Sutton believes the Blues defenders will have a big job on their hands when they come across French striker Karim Benzema.

‘He is the threat,’ Sutton said. ‘He is Madrid’s top scorer with 27 goals and the nearest is six.

‘Stop him and Chelsea might be in a healthy position heading into the return leg at Stamford Bridge.’

Dike on making his debut against Chelsea

Barnsley striker Daryl Dike has opened up about making his debut against Chelsea, the club he has supported since childhood.

Speaking to Goal.com, the American striker who idolises Didier Drogba, revealed how he couldn’t believe he would play against the Blues in the FA Cup fifth round at Oakwell.

‘After seeing these guys on TV, I was like, “Wow! I am warming up next to Olivier Giroud”.

‘I thought I would only see him on TV and now I am playing next to N’Golo Kante and competing for a header with Kurt Zouma.’

Even though the Blues went through with a Tammy Abraham goal, the 20-year-old saw it as a dream come true. Dike also spoke about his love for Drogba and the similarities in their game.

‘I was doing these things and it was a dream come true,’ he added. ‘I am a Chelsea fan and I loved Drogba when I was younger. He and I play a similar game and I enjoyed watching him.

‘Playing against Chelsea was crazy, particularly after such a short space of time. It was a blessing for me and a big experience.’