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

Silva still hopeful of signing Zouma

According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton manager Marco Silva has not given up on the idea of securing a permanent deal for Kurt Zouma despite the defender returning to Chelsea for pre-season training.Zouma enjoyed a good season on loan at Goodison Park in 2018/19 and is a major target for the Toffees, who have already made one loan deal permanent this summer by acquiring midfielder Andre Gomes from Barcelona.But while the club are keen to bring the Frenchman back, Silva insists he has other options available.‘I think I am hopeful like all of our fans are but I have to tell you that we have different solutions because we cannot just have one solution,’ said the Portuguese coach on the possibility of getting Zouma.‘I have different solutions in my mind but I am hopeful and if we can give our fans this fantastic feeling it will be key.‘But, if not, we have to go in a different way but it is part of the market, part of creating a squad.‘It was my aim when I finished the season to keep the level and until now we have signed Andre and you know what is in my mind also, and it will be really important if we achieve that and after we have the three or four positions to strengthen our squad also.’

Bakayoko attracts interest from PSG

French broadcaster RMC is reporting both Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United have made enquiries for Tiemoue Bakayoko following the French midfielder’s season on loan at AC Milan.

According to the report, PSG’s interest in Bakayoko is being driven by their newly-appointed sporting director, Leonardo, who signed him while he was at Milan last year.

‘Leonardo is looking for a defensive midfielder and he likes the profile of Tiemoue Bakayoko, who is back at Chelsea after a rather successful loan spell at AC Milan,’ state RMC.

‘Bakayoko was born in Paris, has supported PSG from a very young age and recently helped Milan to finish sixth in Serie A.

‘The path leading Bakayoko to Paris makes sense for Leonardo and according to our information, the PSG sports director is in contact with the entourage of the France international. The Brazilian knows the player well and the relations between the two sides are good.’

The report also indicates interest from Manchester United in the midfielder, stating that the Red Devils have ‘already made contact with Chelsea’ on the matter.

Odds shorten on JT taking charge of Newcastle

According to the Sun, John Terry is now rated by oddsmakers as second favourite to be appointed manager of Newcastle United behind Mikel Arteta.

The former Chelsea captain recently extended his contract as an assistant coach at Aston Villa but with Rafa Benitez leaving to take charge of Chinese side Dalian Yifeng, the 38-year-old is right in the mix to be appointed by the Magpies.

‘John Terry has catapulted from a 50/1 outsider to 6/1 second favourite to become Newcastle boss,’ states the newspaper.

‘The Chelsea legend and Aston Villa assistant chief trails only 5/2 tip Mikel Arteta, the Manchester City No 2, in the race to succeed Rafa Benitez.’

Italy manager Roberto Mancini is third favourite at 9/1, with Belgium boss Roberto Martinez at 10/1 and former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho at 12/1.