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

Drogba’s hospital to be used for coronavirus treatment

According to Talksport, Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has made a huge gesture in the battle to contain the Covid-19 pandemic in his homeland by allowing his hospital in Ivory Coast to be used as a coronavirus treatment centre.

The hospital, which was opened by the Didier Drogba Foundation in his hometown of Abidjan in 2016, is being turned over to the government as cases of infection mount in the west African nation.

‘It’s up to the state to validate it and make it functional,’ said Didier Drogba Foundation director Mariam Breka.

Reports indicate 574 people have tested positive for the virus in the country and there have been five fatalities so far.

‘We thank Drogba for this gift considered as an act of patriotism,’ said Vincent Oh Bi Irie, the head of Abidjan’s regional council, expressing his gratitude to the former Blues striker.

Rams youngster being eyed by Blues?

Football Insider reports Derby County have put a pricetag on midfielder Max Bird amid rumours that Chelsea could look to sign the teenager this summer.

According to the report, the Rams will hold out for a £5million fee for the 19-year-old after heimpressed manager Frank Lampard last season when he was in charge at Pride Park.

‘Bird has just over two years remaining on the contract that he signed in March of last year,’ states the report.

‘He is regarded as a young player of great promise and talent after graduating from the Derby youth ranks to make 27 first-team appearances.

‘The first eight of those came last season when Lampard was at helm and Bird has played another 19 matches since Phillip Cocu took over as manager.’

Bird played regularly in a defensive midfield role for Derby, starting 12 of 13 league games before the suspension of football a month ago.

Hakimi pleased with transfer links

The Daily Mail reports defender Achraf Hakimi is delighted to have been linked with Chelsea and a number of top European clubs following his impressive form on loan at Borussia Dortmund this season

Hakimi has developed into one of the most coveted full-backs in Europe since he joined the German club on a two-year loan from Real Madrid with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus also reported to have registered their interest in the 21-year-old.

But while pleased with the interest in his services, he told Spanish radio network Cadena SET he is unsure where his future lies.

‘Who does not like it? I am proud of what I am doing,’ said the Morocco international of the reported interest in him.

‘In June I will have to make a decision and it will be a great step for my career. In theory my contract ends in June and from there I have to return to Madrid.

‘I have not yet had contact with Madrid on this matter, but I imagine that soon we will have some conversation to find out what is best for me.’

Hakimi’s current contract with Real expires in the summer of 2022.