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

Pulisic may cut short summer holiday

The Evening Standard is reporting Christian Pulisic is prepared to cut his summer break short in order to link up with Chelsea for pre-season training.

The American, who was signed by the Blues from Borussia Dortmund last January but remained with the German club on loan for the rest of the season, is currently on international duty with the United States at the Gold Cup.

The US are defending champions and one of the favourites to reach the final on 7 July, a few days after the Chelsea players not involved in international action this month are scheduled to report for pre-season training.

‘Chelsea have a policy of allowing talent involved in summer international fixtures to have extended time off to compensate but Standard Sport understands that Pulisic is considering not taking much of a vacation at all, even if the USA go on to lift the Gold Cup,’ states the report.

‘Chelsea depart for a pre-season tour in Japan just over a week after the showpiece occasion and the attacking midfielder is looking to be on the trip.

‘Pulisic doesn’t want to be playing catch up with the rest of his team-mates and is ready to postpone a proper break until the following year.’

Lampard serenaded with cryptic Clash tune

The Sun has reported and shared video of Frank Lampard celebrating his 41st birthday on the French Riviera with friends and restaurant staff singing along to the Clash song ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’ as speculation heats up on the possibility of his return to Stamford Bridge.

Lampard’s wife Christine posted the video on her Instagram account of the Chelsea legend being surprised at the restaurant in Saint-Tropez and draped with a St George’s flag before the song can be heard on the sound system.

According to the paper, the song’s title is a clear inference to the situation of the Derby manager, who has been heavily linked with the vacant head coach position at Chelsea following Maurizio Sarri’s departure.

‘Lamps' friends seemed well aware of the situation as they belted out the 1982 punk rock classic, which more than hinted at his current predicament,’ said the paper.

‘One mate drapes an England flag around the ex-midfielder's shoulders as he laughs when he realises what song is being played.’

Everton turn up interest on Zouma

The Telegraph is reporting Everton have opened talks with Chelsea as they look to secure the signing of Kurt Zouma on a permanent deal

With the Toffees close to completing a deal with Barcelona for Andre Gomes, their attention has now turned to the 24-year-old French defender who enjoyed an excellent campaign under Marco Silva at Goodison Park

‘Zouma and Gomes were key players on loan for Marco Silva last season and the manager has made it clear to Everton that he wants them both to sign long-term contracts,’ states the report.

‘With Gomes understood to have agreed a four-year contract Everton will turn to Zouma who is due to return to Chelsea as things stand with his season-long loan having expired.

‘Everton hope that the two-window transfer ban at Chelsea will not prevent them from considering the sale of the central defender. They have told the 24-year-old that they want to sign him although the French international will not come cheap.’

Drogba tops poll of African greats

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has come out well on top of an internet poll conducted by SportBible to find out the best-ever African player.

In the poll conducted by the popular website in the build-up to this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Ivorian emerged as the overwhelming winner, finishing well ahead of Yaya Toure and two other former Chelsea players, Samuel Eto’o and Mohamed Salah.

Drogba, a two-time African Player of the Year garnered 51% of the 17,281 votes cast, with Eto’o second on 25%, Toure third on 15% and Salah picking up 9%.

This year’s edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off tonight with hosts Egypt meeting Zimbabwe in the opening match in Cairo.