In our look at the latest Chelsea-related news stories from the media, former Blues striker Diego Costa is being linked with a Premier League return after falling down the pecking order at Atletico Madrid, John Terry’s potential difficulties at Newcastle are explained and Gonzalo Higuan appears determined to stay at Juventus.
These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.
Diego Costa linked with Wolves
With Alvaro Morata securing a permanent switch from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid, Diego Costa’s future at the Spanish club is up in the air with the former Blues striker rumoured to be making a surprise return to the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
According to the Birmingham Mail, the rumours of the move went into overdrive after Twitter account Football Daily posted a poll entitled ‘Is Diego Costa heading to Wolves?’ on Monday with a quote attributed to the Brazilian’s agent, Jorge Mendes, suggesting he was genuinely interested in a move to Molineux.
‘Various other Twitter outlets cottoned onto the Costa trend and Mendes’ ‘words’ were soon plastered all over the WWFC hashtag,’ stated the Birmingham Mail.
‘As a result of the intense speculation on social media, Costa’s odds to join Wolves with bookmakers have plummeted. At the time of writing Wolves are 4/1 favourites to land the striker this summer.’
While rumours of a move to Wolves have heated up, the suggestion he might be joining Everton have been firmly shot down by TalkSport host Jim White.
‘I heard from the very top at Everton as Diego Costa to Everton was doing the rounds,’ he said.
‘You can forget that… that has been described as complete nonsense.’
Higuain reluctant to leave Juve
Citing a report by Sky Sports Italia, the Daily Mail indicates Gonzalo Higuain is reluctant to leave Juventus because he is convinced he has a future with the Italian champions, who recently appointed former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri as their new manager.
The 31-year-old striker returned to the Turin club at the end of last month after Chelsea opted not to extend his loan deal, but reports have indicated he has been deemed surplus to requirements by the Serie A champions.
However, the Argentinian appears determined to prove he has a future with the Bianconeri.
‘Acccording to Sky Sports Italia, Higuain remains convinced he can impress new manager Maurizio Sarri, whom he played under at Napoli and Chelsea,’ states the report.
‘Higuain has even hired a personal trainer over the summer to ensure he returns for pre-season in peak condition.
‘But his stubbornness is proving frustrating for Juventus, who have no place for him in their squad, and want to use the cash raised from his sale to bid for Inter Milan's Mauro Icardi.’
Terry's tough task in potential Newcastle job
Speaking to TalkSport, former Premier League defender Micky Gray has warned John Terry of the difficulties he would face if he becomes the new manager of Newcastle United.
The Chelsea legend recently extended his contract as an assistant coach at Aston Villa but he has been heavily linked with the Newcastle job with oddsmakers placing him second favourite after Mikel Arteta to take charge of the Magpies.
But while it would be a big step-up for the 38-year-old, who retired as a player last year, Gray feels it will be a big challenge to succeed Rafa Benitez, who quit after three seasons at Newcastle to become manager of Chinese side Dalian Yifang.
‘Every name under the sun has been touted with this job. Maybe it is the route they need to go down – someone who potentially wants to be a manager,’ said Gray, who played for Sunderland and Blackburn in the top flight.
‘He (Terry) has done his due diligence – he’s done a bit of coaching at Aston Villa – and he’s got great experience in the game.
‘Is it a job he would walk into where his hands are tied? I think that’s the big problem with everybody turning down Newcastle at the moment.
‘It’s a great opportunity for John if he wants to go down that route, but he’ll be stuck with the players he’s got – and maybe they’re going to lose even more.’