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

Cole backs Lampard to put Blues back into contention

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Joe Cole has said the appointment of his former team-mate Frank Lampard as Chelsea’s new head coach can change the culture of the club and make the Blues into title contenders once again.

Cole played with Lampard for West Ham United, Chelsea and England and feels he can shake things up in a positive way for the Blues following the departure of Eden Hazard and the imposition of a transfer ban by FIFA.

‘This is an opportunity to change the culture of the club, change how the club is perceived,' said the 37-year-old.

'The culture is fine in the sense we’re a successful team but there can be improvements made. We need to use this time now to blood the youngsters, get a settled side, settled staff, settled fan base.

‘Frank has got many things in his favour and one of those is being a club legend. He’s got other attributes as a man and manager in that he can deal with any type of dressing room, any type of character. Nobody knows the club like him and the intricacies of it. He’s in a perfect position to sort it out.'

Cole believes the Blues have the potential to become title contenders again in the near future.

'You need harmony in a team to win things and if you can achieve that then next summer go and get the right players and add to it,’ he added.

'Chelsea could be the one who emerges to contend with Manchester City regularly.

'City have done a stellar job in setting up their club for success and it’s going to take someone like a Chelsea to really improve in all aspects to match them.'

Zappacosta reportedly open to Serie A return

According to Goal.com, Davide Zappacosta is considering a move back to Italy although a Serie A club has yet to make a firm offer for the full-back.

The 27-year-old signed from Torino in the summer of 2017 but the website suggests teenager Reece James could move ahead of the Italian as the club’s alternative right-back for the upcoming season.

Goal believes the situation could pick up during the next couple of weeks.

‘Zappacosta is open to leaving Chelsea and moving back to Serie A but he faces a month of uncertainty with the Serie A transfer window not set to close until August 18,’ states the report.

‘The 27-year-old has yet to receive a concrete offer from another club although interest is expected to heat up once the Premier League transfer window closes on August 8.

‘Joao Cancelo could still leave Juventus, which may spark a host of moves at right-back across the transfer market in Italy and Europe.

‘This could propel Italy international Zappacosta into talks with clubs in his home country, which would be his preferred destination after a two-year stint in England.’

Everton explore interest in Tomori

The Evening Standard reports Everton are keen to sign Fikayo Tomori on loan from Chelsea as they try to find a centre-back for the upcoming season.

https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea/chelsea-defender-fikayo-tomori-on-everton-shortlist-after-kurt-zouma-transfer-bid-fails-a4201186.html

The Toffees expressed strong interest in signing Kurt Zouma on a permanent basis after his successful loan spell with them last season but with the French defender looking likely to stay with the Blues, their attention appears to have switched to Tomori, who impressed on loan at Derby County last season.

‘Chelsea have decided to send the England Under-21 international elsewhere to get more experience and want him to play at the highest level, rather than another lower league club,’ states the report.

‘Tomori has attracted interest from teams in the Bundesliga, Portugal and the Premier League. Everton are still looking for a centre half after Chelsea rejected their bid to sign Kurt Zouma, who spent last season on loan at Goodison Park.

‘Everton are considering making a move for Tomori instead, although it is believed the switch isn’t at an advanced stage yet.’