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

Barbosa emerges as Chelsea target

The Express reports Chelsea have earmarked Inter Milan’s Gabriel Barbosa as a transfer target as the Blues seek to bring in a new forward this month.

According to the paper, the Brazilian striker nicknamed Gabigol could join the Blues from the Italian club with Olivier Giroud moving in the opposite direction in a part-exchange deal.

‘Frank Lampard wants to reduce pressure on Tammy Abraham by signing Barbosa, who has just ended a loan spell at Brazilian side Flamengo,’ states the report.

‘Chelsea could seal the deal by waiving a fee on veteran Olivier Giroud, wanted by Inter boss Antonio Conte.

‘Brazil international Barbosa caught the eye of Lampard after scoring both of Flamengo's goals in the Copa Libertadores final earlier this season.

‘He has been a prolific goalscorer in Brazil's Serie A, scoring 70 goals in 112 appearances for Flamengo and former club Santos before that.’

Bayern insist Alaba is not for sale

According to Goal.com, Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick has dismissed reports linking David Alaba with Chelsea after it was suggested the Austria international could be joining the Blues this month.

A versatile player who has been deployed by the German side as a midfielder, centre-back and full-back, Alaba has reportedly attracted strong interest from the Blues with a rumoured bid of £60 million in the works.

However, Flick insist the 27-year-old is going nowhere this month.

‘Alaba is not for sale in the winter,’ said Flick at Bayern’s winter training camp in Doha.

‘Alaba is doing very well at centre-back at the moment. He can lead a team, he showed that.

‘This is the criteria the leader of the defence has to fulfil.’

Regarded as one of the game’s leading left-backs, Alaba has 18 months left on his current contract with the Bavarian club.

Newcastle eye Giroud deal

The Telegraph reports Newcastle United want to sign Olivier Giroud on loan for the rest of the season but the France striker will only be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge if we can bring in a replacement.

The Magpies are the latest club to express interest in the striker, who is looking for more regular playing time as he seeks to secure his place in France’s Euro 2020 squad this summer.

‘Telegraph Sport has been told by sources in London that Newcastle made contact with Chelsea last week to discuss whether they would listen to loan offers for Giroud but were told there is no chance of a move to Tyneside at this stage,’ states the report.

‘Chelsea are looking to sign another striker this month but will not let anyone leave until they have brought a new player in.

‘Giroud would be an ideal signing for the Magpies and is understood to be open to the idea of making the move to the North East because of a lack of games under Frank Lampard.

‘Although things have not progressed so far, it does not mean Newcastle’s interest in Giroud is over but head coach Steve Bruce will have to look at alternatives.’