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

Mount tipped to light up the Premier League

FourFourTwo magazine believes Mason Mount could make a big impression during the upcoming campaign after including the Chelsea youngster on its list of 10 under-23 players ‘who are ready to light up the Premier League in 2019/20’.

After successful loan spells at Vitesse Arnhem and Derby County, the 20-year-old recently signed a five-year contract extension with the Blues and enjoyed a solid pre-season, scoring three goals in six appearances for Frank Lampard’s side.

‘From an England perspective, Mount is really the brightest light of all. The good news – for Gareth Southgate and for Chelsea - is that Frank Lampard has inherited Mount at precisely the moment the young midfielder is ready to take his first Premier League steps,’ said FourFourTwo in its report.

‘Mount is a footballer’s footballer, all vision and simple class. His impact at Stamford Bridge this season will depend on just how much faith Lampard is willing to show but, were he to be supported by N’Golo Kante and surrounded by either Ross Barkley or Mateo Kovacic, he could feasibly provide much of the forward thrust that was lacking in Chelsea last season.

‘That’s his game: he’s a creator of attacking momentum and opportunity. He can slice a pass between the lines, drop his shoulder and take players on, or change the score himself. If all of that talent is multiplied by the earnest characteristics which underscored Lampard’s own career, then Mount can be whatever he wants in the game.’

Bakayoko linked with Galatasaray loan

The Evening Standard reports Tiemoue Bakayoko could be headed out for another loan spell, with Turkish giants Galatasaray expressing interest in signing him.

Bakayoko spent last season on loan at AC Milan but returned to Chelsea after the Italian club opted not to make the move permanent.

While the 24-year-old has been involved in the Blues’ pre-season preparations, the Standard believes the club may listen to offers for the French midfielder.

‘Galatasaray have opened talks with Chelsea over taking midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko on loan this season,’ stated the paper.

‘Bakayoko did report back for pre-season training with Chelsea last month, but hasn’t impressed under new coach Frank Lampard and played just 185 minutes.

‘He has been left out of the club’s last two friendlies against Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Monchengladbach, working back at the club’s base in Cobham instead.

‘Rules dictate that Chelsea can name only 17 non-homegrown players in their ‘A list’ squad for the Champions League and 17 non-homegrown players aged over 21 for the Premier League.

‘Currently out of those members given squad numbers last week, Chelsea have two over the limit in the former and one in the latter, which provides another motivation to try and offload Bakayoko.’

Silva turns attention away from Zouma

Everton manager Marco Silva appears to have conceded defeat in the club’s pursuit of Kurt Zouma as the Merseyside club look to sign a central defender before the transfer window closes on Thursday.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Silva tried to turn attention away from an online campaign by Everton fans to bring the Frenchman back after his successful loan at Goodison Park last season.

Toffee fans saw their hashtag “#FreeZouma” trending on Twitter last week but Silva said he was unaware of the campaign and suggested the club may be looking elsewhere for a new defender after seeing their interest in the Frenchman rebuffed by the Blues.

‘I don't like to talk about Zouma, because he's not our player. I don't need to repeat anything about him,’ said the Everton boss.

‘Our fans' reaction shows everything about what we as a club and me as a manager think about him.

‘But it's not fair for me [to comment] first because I have to respect the defenders we have here even if they know we want one more, and Zouma is a Chelsea player. It's not the moment to talk about him.

‘If it's not Zouma, it has to be another one with quality to improve our squad and to give competition.’

Cahill completes Palace move

Former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill is set to remain in London for the upcoming season after the 33-year-old was unveiled as a Crystal Palace player on Monday.

The centre-back was a free agent after his Chelsea contract expired at the end of June and he was linked with several Premier League clubs before opting for the Eagles.

‘I’m glad to be here, I think it’s a good opportunity for me to continue my career in the Premier League, and to play in a good, exciting team,’ he said to the club’s official website.

‘I’m hungry to prolong my career as long as I possibly can – I feel like I’m in great shape and whoever I play for, I’d like to think that I give it 110% and leave everything out there - so hopefully that will be good enough for the manager, my team-mates and also the fans.’